THE HOUSE OF ST BARNABAS
MAKING LASTING WORK A
REALITY FOR LONDON’S
HOMELESS
The House of St Barnabas is a London charity pledging to break the cycle of homelessness. Its approach is driven by its social purpose to create a future where lasting work is a reality for those affected by homelessness and social exclusion. The House of St Barnabas runs an Employment Academy that is fully integrated into its social business, a not-for-profit members’ club with a socially conscious and vibrant membership. In this environment trainees are able to build their confidence, learn new skills and gain work experience throughout the club and offices.
“The House teaches you to be yourself, do it yourself and keep the focus.” Shawn, Graduate 2015.
Photo by Tom Oldam
The House of St Barnabas recognises that maintaining paid work is instrumental in moving people into security and out of the cycle of homelessness so its approach is to offer on-site work placements working with a professional buddy within the vibrant charity and members’ club. The skills training includes the opportunity to gain accredited City & Guilds qualifications in Hospitality as well as Business Administration. Most vital to the success of the Academy and of lasting impact for graduates is the ongoing assistance and focus on work and wage progression.
The trainees are at the heart of everything the charity does. Their journey to lasting paid work starts with the 12 week Employment Programme and because The House of St Barnabas knows that getting a job is only the beginning of the story, not the end, this is followed by 12 months of mentoring and ongoing support from the Employment Academy team.
The House of St Barnabas currently supports 60 people on their journey to independence and its vision is to support at least 100 people every year.
CREATING FAIR OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
With the support of businesses across the capital The House of St Barnabas is working to create employment opportunities.
Its lead Employer Partner is Benugo, which operates the catering in the club at The House of St Barnabas whilst working closely with the Employment Academy team to deliver training in service excellence within the hospitality industry. Benugo helps The House of St Barnabas to create structured work placements and provide access to its recruitment days with a guaranteed interview.
Since the club opened October 2013, 30% of graduates have found paid work across the many Benugo sites in London.
The House of St Barnabas is now actively seeking more businesses across the capital to join it in creating a fairer London, supporting trainees to lasting employment by providing work placements or connecting graduates to job opportunities. If you believe that your business could take part in creating a fairer city and fairer employment opportunities for all, please get in touch with The House of St Barnabas via its website.
WORLDS FIRST
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
MEMBERS CLUB SUPPORTING
LONDON’S HOMELESS
The House of St Barnabas is seeking to redefine the notion of a members’ club, to challenge stereotypes around the idea of exclusivity and to create a different kind of membership.
It is the first not-for-profit members’ club in the world run to support people affected by homelessness back into work. The club is run as a social enterprise and is a trading subsidiary of the charity.
The club is a creative, socially conscious and vibrant space, a haven in the heart of Soho, a Grade I listed Georgian townhouse steeped in history, with a restaurant, bar, lounges and a secluded courtyard garden. The DNA of the club is energetic, inviting and fuelled by culture, with an eclectic mix of heritage, contemporary art and quite possibly the best soundtrack you’ll ever hear. The team at The House of St Barnabas carefully curate an exclusive programme of members’ events that encourages discussion, discovery and dancing to some of the finest superstar DJs.
Members of the club are the interesting and interested, the continually curious and those motivated by social change. The club draws together people of all ages, backgrounds and industries creating a community united by a common thread, a desire to change society for the better.
Photo by Nic Serpell Rand
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