Published on Tuesday, 22nd November 2022
St Martins Housing Trust has been given Honorary Freedom of the City of Norwich, following more than 50 years’ service and support to people facing homelessness.
The honour was awarded by Norwich City Council at a special meeting of Council this evening.
After starting out in a garage shed in the Cathedral Close half a century ago, St Martins has grown into an established charity which provides not only hundreds of beds and homes to those in need, but delivers education, training, psychological intervention and partnership work with other city organisations.
St Martins is now a key partner in delivering Norwich City Council’s rough sleeping strategy, which seeks to break the cycle of homelessness through prevention, intervention, recovery and systemic support.
Recent examples of innovative partnership work between the organisations include the Pathways service and Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub, providing holistic specialist support and accommodation for people sleeping rough.
In her speech, Councillor Gail Harris, deputy leader of Norwich City Council said: “St Martins is a very special part of the city, employing some of the most dedicated, passionate, and professional people I have ever had the pleasure to work with.
“It has earned the love, respect and applaud of Norwich people, those who have used and benefitted from their services and all those in organisations which partner with it, including this council.”
Chair of trustees Colin Bland said, “St Martins is honoured to receive Freedom of the City and it confirms our place in the hearts and minds of local people, including those we have supported by offering accommodation and care, and those who have supported us through donating, volunteering and advocating on our behalf.
“As a charity we care deeply about the people we provide services for, and always delight in the positive progress they make. This sentiment is shared by our team members, as well as other organisations we partner with. We are committed to finding solutions to the challenges we face and adapt our services to provide for the people of Norwich when they face times of difficulty.”
The Honorary Freedom of the City is a title given to a person or organisation in recognition of their contribution to Norwich. Previous recipients include Norwich City Football Club, Sir Robert and Lady Sainsbury and Arthur Miller.
To find out more about St Martins’ vital work in the city, visit www.stmartinshousing.org.uk
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