Last call for names: Service of Commemoration for those who have died homeless in past year

The Service of Commemoration for those who have died homeless in past year will take place at St Martin in the Fields, this Thursday , 13 November 11am -1pm.

Once again this November, during remembrance week, we will gather to commemorate those whose lives have been shortened due to homelessness in London. The theme of this years' service is 'Refuge' and will recognise the fact that so many, often forcibly displaced people, desperately seek to find a safe place to belong and to call home and struggle 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 remembrance and thanksgiving for their service and support alongside people experiencing homelessness. This service has been running for over 20 years and is a well loved and respected space for the community.

Names

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… Refuge - A service of commemoration at St Martin in the Fields 2025

These should be people known to have died in the Greater London area only since 8th November 2024. Please share the names of those you would like to remember by 9am on Tuesday 11th November.

All are welcome

The Choir With No Name and Streetwise Opera perform at the service every year, as are Gavin Bryars and his ensemble now. The story of Gavin Bryars' iconic composition, Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet is explained in this beautiful BBCR3 Sunday Feature: Never Failed Me Yet - Never Failed Me Yet - BBC Sounds