to their problems. This includes addressing drug and alcohol issues, supporting people to live independently in the community, and offering a range of training activities. Spires aims to provide a safe and welcoming space where people can develop the trust and confidence that will enable them to make improvements in their circumstances.
Spires, 8 Tooting Bec Gardens, Streatham, London SW16 1RB 020 8696 0943 www.spires.org.uk

Streatham Drop-in Centre for
Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Since March 2002, the centre has since done a tremendous job providing a safe and welcoming environment for many refugee and asylum seeker individuals/families living in the area. The Centre, based at English Martyrs Church Hall, works in partnership with a wide range of voluntary, community and statutory groups. On Thursdays the Centre provides complementary therapy and access to health advice in partnership with the Primary Care Trust Refugee Health Team. Fridays volunteers and staff offer support, information and social activities. ESOL classes are provided by Lambeth College. For parents with young children, a crêche is available on site during the day. On Saturday there is a Family Support Group which offers a homework club for 4-12 year olds as well as a mother tongue class in Tigrinya.
For further information, please contact: co-ordinator
Brian McCarthy 020 8664 7432.

Arts Group
The aim of the Arts Group is to showcase the talents of parishioners and friends of English Martyrs church through a series of evening events, which have included poetry readings, songs from musical shows and classical music.
By hosting such events, we hope to bring English Martyrs to a wider audience, as well as adding to the rich diversity of Streatham life. View forthcoming events here.
Our events are open to all and free of charge, there is normally a voluntary collection in support of the Church Building Project.

SPIRES
During the late 1980s, homelessness became an increasingly visible problem in Streatham and the surrounding area. While media attention focused on the problems in central London, there was no service available locally for homeless people. As a result, a temporary Christmas centre opened in 1989, jointly organised by the congregations of English Martyrs and St Leonard's churches in Streatham, with the support of the local community. We help people access immediate support when they are in a state of crisis as a result of housing problems, health or drug & alcohol issues. This may involve finding them a place in an emergency hostel or getting treatment for urgent health problems. As well as providing crisis support to rough sleepers and others in need of help, we help people achieve long-term solutions