Spitalfields Crypt Trust

Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is a charity based in Shoreditch, London that supports people in recovery from addictions, homelessness, and other complex needs.

Spitalfields Crypt Trust
AbbreviationSCT
Formation1965
Founded atSpitalfields
TypeNonprofit
HeadquartersShoreditch High Street
Location
Region served
East London
Staff
70
Websitewww.sct.org.uk

Operations edit

SCT runs a residential recovery hostel (Acorn House),[1] a training and development centre, and two social enterprises from their hub in Shoreditch. It runs eight charity shops, drop in centres for homeless people, supported housing projects, and a Housing First programme.[2][3][4]

SCT's social enterprises include Restoration Station, a furniture restoration and upcycling shop which collaborates with local artists,[5][6] and Paper and Cup, a coffee shop.[7][8] The charity has also worked with local designer Ally Capellino to create tote bags from recycled fabric.[9][10]

It operates in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest,[11] employing 70 staff and supporting over 600 people each year.[12][self-published source]

History edit

 
Christ Church, Fournier Street

In the bleak winter of 1965 a homeless man died on the steps of the vicarage of Christ Church, Spitalfields in Fournier Street, leading the vicar, the Rev Eddy Stride[13] to open up its crypt to homeless men in the area as a soup kitchen and night shelter. SCT was founded that November and opened by Princess Alexandra.[14]

In 2000 the charity moved its base to Shoreditch, and continues to support vulnerable people in the local area.[15] The charity has since held 'sleep-out' events on the steps of Christ Church to raise money and awareness.[16]

In September 2017, Prince William visited several of SCT's services in Shoreditch.[17]

References edit

  1. ^ "Overview - Sct - Acorn House". NHS.
  2. ^ "What we do". Spitalfields Crypt Trust.
  3. ^ "Spitalfields Crypt Trust - Acorn House". Homeless Link.
  4. ^ "SCT - Acorn House | FRANK". Talk to Frank.
  5. ^ "Restoration Station - Yinka Ilori". Field-digital design and branding – via Yinka Ilori Studio.
  6. ^ Purdy, Lucy (13 May 2019). "A leg to stand on: furniture restoration as a way back from addiction". Positive News.
  7. ^ Pantony, Ali. "These are the best coffee shops across London for when you just need a good-quality cup of java". Glamour UK.
  8. ^ Butter, Susannah (24 April 2015). "London's ethical coffee shops serving shots of conscience". Evening Standard.
  9. ^ Tilley, Caitlin (10 April 2021). "Tote bags help tackle homelessness and addiction". Hackney Gazette.
  10. ^ Van den Broeke, Teo (2 March 2021). "Get your hands on one of Ally Capellino's bags to help fight addiction". British GQ.
  11. ^ "Find Support Services". find-support-services.hackney.gov.uk.
  12. ^ "SCT publishes 2020 Annual Report". Spitalfields Crypt Trust. 24 November 2020.
  13. ^ https://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20964669.man-built-east-ends-city-gateway-open-careers-stepping/
  14. ^ Brooke, Mike (10 November 2015). "Alexandra returns to Spitalfields Crypt homeless shelter for 50th anniversary". East London Advertiser.
  15. ^ "In The Crypt Of Christ Church, Spitalfields". Spitalfields Life. 12 October 2014.
  16. ^ Woolley, Sarah (27 March 2020). "God in a cold climate". Church Times.
  17. ^ Slawson, Nicola (20 September 2017). "Prince William discusses 'massive question' of legalising drugs". The Guardian.