On Tuesday 17 December, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust were invited to the Barons Court Homeless Project. Also visiting were Chelsea FC 1XI players who donated clothes to the homeless and learnt about the inspiring work being done there.
Barons Court Project is the only day centre in the borough who support people on low incomes, homeless or vulnerable to mental health issues.
They provide one to one support to people on:
• Housing
• Benefits
• Mental Wellbeing
• Employment/Training
BCP provide a place where people can have a hot meal, have a shower, do their laundry, charge their phone, and get replacement clothing.
Mark Meehan represented the CST and met and spoke to Levi Colwill, Marcus Bettinelli, and Tosin Adarabioyo who came along to distribute some of the clothing collected through the Xmas “Wrap up Warm” campaign. They also met Barons Court CEO, Michael Angus, along with some of the Barons Court project homeless guests.
While there Levi, Marcus, and Tosin were given a tour of the building by Michael so they could see for themselves the excellent work being done there and hear and see how the clothing donated by Chelsea FC and Chelsea supporters will be put to good use.
They also met a number of homeless guests who they provided warm clothing to and heard directly from them about their homeless experiences and spent time with them and signed autographs and posed for photographs.
It was clear the players visit had left a lasting impact on everyone they met.
Michael Angus from Barons Court project said of the visit:
“We talk about homelessness but we don’t talk enough about houselessness. It is much more than a roof. It is much more than a bed. Its about a state of mind.
“Its why Barons Cout Project exists and as the only day centre in LBHF it has never been more needed.”
“There has not been much joy and hope for the homeless lately. Marcus, Levi and Tosin brought some joy and hope back to our community on Tuesday evening.”
Mark Meehan Chairman Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, said:
“We saw the sad news on Newsnight the night before about an 18% rise in homelessness which has risen on an annual basis. Most poignant was the statement during the programme by one rough sleeper that the worst part of being on the street is not being seen.
“The guests at Barons Court project are not only seen but are given the help and support to get control of their own lives by being given stepping stones to get their live back on track with a practical and emotional support network.
“The CST has been proud to work in partnership with Chelsea Football Club and Chelsea Foundation on the Wrap up Warm campaign this December to help Barons Court Project and other London charities to tackle homelessness and its root causes.
“I’m overwhelmed and delighted with how the Chelsea Foundation have responded with this campaign. Thank you to Laura Cordingley and all the staff at the Foundation for really believing in the idea and taking it forward.”
The final clothing collection before Xmas will go ahead before the Chelsea versus Shamrock Rovers game and will be situated at Stamford Gate behind the security checkpoints. It will be open from 5.30pm until kick-off.
Finally, any Chelsea supporters who are unable to attend the game but would like to support the Wrap up Warm campaign can do so by making a donation via this link.
