London: Call for names to be read out at service for those who died homeless in past year

St Martin in the Fields

Once again, on 7 November, during Remembrance Week, a service will take place at St Martin in the Fields in Trafalgar Square, to commemorate those whose lives have been shortened due to homelessness in London. The theme of this years' service is 'Coming Home' and will recognise the fact that so many people seeking to find a safe place to belong and to call home are still struggling to find affordable accommodation with rising numbers living on the streets.

We remember those who have died on the streets, in hostels and shelters, as well as those who managed to move on to more settled lives but who still relied on homelessness services. We also remember colleagues, staff or volunteers who have died in the past year in thanksgiving for their service and support alongside people experiencing homelessness.

This service has been running for over 18 years and is a well loved and respected space for the community.

The first gesture of dignity in life is being given a name at birth and this is absent when people die homeless and in anonymity. This is why we read out the names at this annual commemoration.

Please register the names of persons you wish to be read out during the service by clicking on this link… Coming Home - A service of commemoration at St Martin in the Fields 2024

These should be people known to have died in the Greater London area only since 8th November 2023. Please share the names of those you would like to remember by noon on Monday 4th November.

Once again Choir With No Name and Streetwise Opera will be performing at the service, together with Gavin Bryars and his ensemble.

Hear the amazing story of Gavin Bryars' iconic composition, Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet in this BBC documentary:

Sunday Feature - Never Failed Me Yet - Never Failed Me Yet - BBC Sounds