Cambridge Link-Up homeless not hopeless

We enable homeless people to offer as well as receive help. We believe that homeless people are a massively untapped resource of skills, creativity, knowledge and experience able to contribute positively to their community.

Why the community needs this charity

Homelessness causes significant damage to a person's self-esteem; homeless people feel they are seen only as a 'problem' to be solved. We work from the positive by listening to their views and offering opportunities to help themselves by helping others.

Results and outcomes

Two members of the Link-Up committee are currently representing East Anglia on the Groundswell Homelessness Commission, working on a report requested by central government and they will be briefing the Housing Minister in person on their findings. Our monthly meetings are open and friendly and everyone has a vote. We encourage people who receive a grant or take part in a project like our bike project to come along and get involved with other Link-Up projects.

Latest activities and projects

World Homeless Day 10/10/10

World Homeless Day Discovery Trail including places featured in 'Stuart: a life backwards' by Alexander Masters, the Cambridge Link-Up Memorial Garden, rough sleeping sites and an exhibition of artwork by homeless artists at the Leper Chapel on Newmarket Rd. Refreshments and comfort stops will be available at Wintercomfort for the homeless and Jimmy's Nightshelter. Trail Maps can be purchased for £5 from the Link-Up Stall on Midsummer Common. 11 - 5pm read more

Build Your Own Bike Project

We ran 8 one day workshops at the Trailer Trash workshops at Eastern Court. Participants were provided with the tools and bicycle parts and skilled advice to enable them to build their own bike. On completion everyone received a bike lock and set of lights.  read more

Memorial Garden

The idea was to improve an unused piece of wasteland in the grounds of 222 Vic Rd and turn it into a memorial garden creating a quiet reflective space where the homeless community can remember lost loved ones from the community and from their personal lives. The garden is freely accessible to non-residents of 222 Victoria Rd.  read more