Tucked inside a modest church hall near Finsbury Park, something quietly transformative has been happening. In January 2025, the Homeless Outreach Hub at St Mellitus Church opened its doors to around 20 visitors a day—people experiencing rough sleeping who often have nowhere else to turn. 

What they find isn’t just shelter. It’s connection, care, and a community determined to meet people where they are. 

We spoke with community safety officer Matthew Bunce, outreach nurse Lorna Thomson, and parishioner Dr Ronan Cormacain to understand how this small space has become a lifeline. 

Responding with compassion, not exclusion

The idea for the hub began with a challenge. People had been sleeping in the church grounds, and concerns were growing about littering and anti‑social behaviour. But instead of pushing people away, the church chose a different path. 

Ronan explains: 

“In keeping with our Christian values, Father Moses wanted to respond with compassion. Rather than moving people on, we worked with the council to support them. It’s not enough to talk about doing good; we must act.” 

That shared commitment, to safety, dignity and reducing homelessness, sparked a partnership between the church and the council that continues today. 

Support that treats the whole person

The hub brings multiple services under one roof, making it easier for people to get help they might otherwise avoid or struggle to access. 

Matthew, describes the setup: 

• A GP and dentist
• Housing advisors
• Drug and alcohol support workers
• Specialist services for women at risk of exploitation
• Volunteers with lived experience of rough sleeping 

Visitors can play Scrabble, knit, make pottery, watch TV or simply sit with a cup of tea. The activities are simple, but the impact is profound. 

“It’s about creating a space where people feel safe and seen,” Matthew says. 

Ronan oversees a team of 10–15 volunteers who keep the hub running—setting up tables, offering snacks, and staying present in the small but meaningful moments of care. 

Healthcare that meets people where they are

For many visitors, the hub is the only place they feel comfortable seeking medical help.

Lorna, who works at the hub one day a week, sees a wide range of health issues: chest infections, skin conditions, leg ulcers, memory problems, autism, ADHD, mental health challenges, and the effects of substance use.

Sometimes, the most valuable thing she offers is time.

“Many visitors are incredibly isolated. London is a busy city, but it’s so easy to feel alone.”

She recalls one man struggling to care for a leg wound without access to a shower or supplies. She treated him, taught him how to dress the wound, and stored his medical items at the hub so they wouldn’t be lost or stolen.

Why the hub works

The magic lies in the simplicity and the humanity.

Matthew explains:

“Having all the right people in one place means visitors can get multiple types of support in a single visit. That kind of joined‑up support is rare.”

In just eight months, the hub has seen more than 800 visits from 250 people, many of whom would never have accessed help elsewhere.

The environment is intentionally low‑pressure. No appointments. No judgement. Dogs welcome.

Lorna adds:

“The space is simple but cosy. It’s warm, welcoming and not flashy, so it doesn’t intimidate people. It gives them a chance to breathe.”

A small hall making a big difference

The Homeless Outreach Hub isn’t a grand building or a high‑tech centre. It’s a church hall filled with volunteers, hot drinks, board games, and people who genuinely care.

And for those sleeping rough in Finsbury Park, that can be life‑changing.

If you’re worried about someone sleeping rough

You can help connect them with support by making a referral through StreetLink