Last week marked a proud and powerful moment for our charity, as our CEO, Sarah, was invited to attend a prestigious parliamentary reception hosted by Homeless Link at the iconic House of Lords.

The event brought together charities from across the UK to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary dedication of frontline workers and volunteers in the homelessness sector. It was an opportunity not only to acknowledge the tireless efforts of those working directly with people experiencing homelessness, but also to shine a light on the growing challenges facing our communities.

Senior government representatives addressed attendees, including the Minister of State from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Their speeches reinforced a sobering reality: rough sleeping is rising, and more people than ever are living in temporary accommodation. Behind these statistics are real individuals, families, and young people whose lives have been disrupted by housing instability.

For Sarah, the reception was both an honour and a vital opportunity to ensure the voices of the people we support are heard at the highest levels. She spoke with fellow sector leaders about the urgent need for sustainable solutions and long-term investment in homelessness prevention and support services.

It was also encouraging to connect with parliamentarians who champion our cause. Sarah met with MP Toby Perkins, who expressed his continued support for the work we do and the impact we are making in our community.

While the setting was historic, the message was firmly focused on the present and the future. Events like this remind us that homelessness is not inevitable — and that through partnership, advocacy, and frontline action, meaningful change is possible.

We are incredibly proud to see our work represented on a national stage, and we remain committed to standing alongside those experiencing homelessness every single day.