Your latest news from Glass Door

28 April 2020
Fortnightly update for Glass Door volunteer coordinators

Dear <<First Name>>:

I hope that you are all staying safe during this extended lock-down.

A big thank you to everyone who has spread the word about our COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. We have had such a generous response from the community so far.

The Glass Door team continues to work very hard to support people facing homelessness in these difficult circumstances.

End of season debrief: Thank you again to those who joined via Zoom. I enjoyed hearing your feedback and thank everyone for their insight and input. Read the minutes and let me know of any further questions or thoughts. I would like to especially encourage those who couldn’t make the meeting to read the minutes as some really useful conversations about the future of our shelters were had.

Volunteer survey: The survey is now closed and we are thrilled that over 300 volunteers took part. We'll feed back findings once we have analysed the results.

Please find further updates from the Glass Door team below.

Best, 

Megan for the Glass Door Team

Casework and shelter updates:

From caseworker Michelle: A guest who has been self-isolating in her accommodation has been making masks for her local hospital. She used to be a fashion designer and one day hopes to return to continue this career. The masks she has made meet the specific requirements for medical staff to wear. What is even more impressive is that she made these while living in a very toxic situation.

From caseworker Gemma: A guest reached out to me out-of-hours. He had no source of food or money. I worked with a local partner organisation to help him source food urgently so he didn't have to go hungry. Now he has more long-term food options too. After making a first referral for another young man over three weeks ago, he has now been found by the Wandsworth outreach team.

From caseworker Jasmiina: As well as helping progress several Universal Credit claims this week, I have distributed food bank vouchers and helped with utility top-ups. I have enjoyed providing this practical support as it feels very useful to meet guests' urgent needs.

Another success: One long-term guest has been deemed priority need by the council and so will be allowed to keep his accommodation rather than become homeless.

Other news:

How to make a difference during COVID-19: We list 10 ways we can make a difference to people experiencing homelessness during this pandemic without compromising social distancing guidelines. Check out our top tips and get in touch if you have any creative ideas of your own.

Glass Door in the media: Senior caseworker Neil speaks out about the potential for a new wave of homelessness during this pandemic in several local newspapers including the Guardian series. Read the full story. 

Funding success: We are delighted that the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust has chosen Glass Door as one of many charities to support during the coronavirus pandemic. We have also received support from the Wimbledon Foundation and continue to be heartened by the fantastic response to our COVID-19 Emergency Appeal.

Volunteering with Under One Sky: We are proud to have helped launch a food outreach programme in partnership with Under One Sky, Punjab Restaurant, Chelsea Methodist Church and others earlier this month. Under One Sky are now looking for volunteers. Find out more about how you can help.

Read this: We recommend the Guardian's latest story about the reality on London's streets right now. Also read a moving tale about Phillip by Jeremy Ullman. Phillip was an NHS worker for 21 years and now gets the meals he needs from our partner drop-in centre, Ace of Clubs.

Volunteer coordinator portal

Find forms, updates, contact information and more:
https://www.glassdoor.org.uk/forvc

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