About Robes

The aim of Robes is to relieve poverty among people who are experiencing homelessness in the London boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth by the provision of winter night shelters, food, advice, support, and re-settlement services to help them rebuild their lives.

Where it all started

It was in 2004 that the Reverend Sheryl Anderson, heading the South London Mission, read a research report from UNLEASH (Church Action for Homelessness in London) and was moved to action. Her vision was to create a night shelter, hosted by churches, to cover a gap in provision between London Bridge and Croydon. She reached out to the Manna Society and the C4WS shelter in Camden. Her colleague Deacon Mark Attwood dedicated many hours to encouraging other local churches to join this vision.

At the same time, a group of Lambeth churches also began to think along similar lines and the two groups combined in 2006 to form the Robes Project. Shortly afterwards, in 2007, Robes began providing a much needed service for those experiencing homelessness across the two boroughs.

Who we help

People who come to our shelter and our day centre come from all different walks of life with a diversity of backgrounds and needs. Through our referral process, we welcome guests, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, or religion.