The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead

Church chat

Exciting news from CARIS Haringey

15/6/2021

CARIS Haringey, a charity based in Tottenham supporting homeless families,  is one of the local charities supported by Hampstead Parish Church.  CARIS stands for Christian Action and Response in Society. It is a non-proselytising organisation committed to expressing God’s love through social action. Its services are equally available to families of all faiths and none.

Hampstead Parish Church is  thrilled that Gloria Saffrey-Powell, the Director of CARIS Haringey, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for her service to the local community during COVID-19.

Gloria’s determination, dedication and devotion have been the driving force of CARIS Haringey for many years. Under Gloria’s leadership the charity has been recognised for its work in the local community, receiving local and national awards, including The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.

Haringey has one of the highest numbers of homeless families of any local authority in the UK, with around 5,000 children living in temporary accommodation. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-homelessness

CARIS Haringey works to support these families by providing food, clothes and other essential items. They also work with clients to help address their long-term needs, through the provision of training, advice and advocacy. Services are provided to families living in temporary accommodation and unsecured accommodation across Haringey Borough.

Gloria writes:

“It is a great honour to receive the BEM award: this award is not just for me, it is for all the staff, volunteers and everyone who works within the voluntary sector, who sees working in the voluntary sector as their mission. It is a recognition of the value placed on being someone’s hands and feet enabling them to stand – a voice for those who believe they have no voice.”

We are so pleased that Gloria’s personal contribution and service are being acknowledged with this award and we have sent our congratulations