News

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk Giles Orpen-Smellie visited St Martins’ Foundations project on May 4th, supporting prison leavers to reintegrate back into Norfolk’s communities, reducing the likelihood of reoffending and homelessness.

Roger Whitelock visits Under 1 Roof (St Martins training and development programme) to take some wonderful portraits of both team members and people we support.

Person-centred Counsellor Laura comes to St Martins hostel regularly to support people who need someone to listen to them and provide professional support.

On March 24 a plaque was unveiled at a garage in Cathedral Close where St Martins first began. From humble beginnings St Martins has grown into one of the largest local charities in the area and is the biggest homeless charity in Norfolk.

By making the group so accessible, relaxed, and inclusive – anyone can join in and take part for as long they choose with no demands - some residents have found a creative streak they never knew they had. One resident has even proudly given our CEO a piece of his art which is now on display in her office.

Gillian Francis is a visual artist, currently specialising in printmaking and fibre art. As Company Director of Make Play Connect, she has created a flexible, welcoming and safe community space for arts, education and well-being activities in Norwich. She does weekly sessions at Under 1 roof.

A weekly cooking class to encourage more members to get into the kitchen and gain confidence! 4 members each week help Karla in the kitchen to make a two-course meal based on the theory of living from the land.

More than half of prison leavers are released without permanent accommodation. Homelessness and reoffending is a real risk. St Martins has a new role where prison inreach worker Drew helps people leaving prison to find accommodation.

Official figures on the levels of rough sleeping across England were released today (February 24, 2022). According to the latest figures, collected in the Autumn of 2021, 10 people were sleeping rough in Norwich.

Brilliant local charity The Besom in Norwich has provided numerous packs for the people we support for when they set up a new home. When people move on from our services, they often have few possessions of their own.