2. Our beginnings (1)
SHAN began in 2008 when a number of us found there were a number of homeless people, typically single folk, who we got to meet that were not getting the help they needed. Often such folk would turn up at the Council and be signposted to non-existent services and because of a lack of resource and money the Council did little more, focusing their efforts on those they had a statutory duty to house. The local homeless hostel run by HARP did provide some help but it was limited and often overnight accommodation was full. Some of the homeless people did not engage with the services that were available and this was not helped given the mental health and addiction issues many were experiencing.

3. Our beginnings (2)
At that time the Council were looking to close their own homeless hostels as well as produce a homeless prevention strategy working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector (VCS). SHAN was born out of this paradigm and the words of the acronym: Southend, Homeless, Action and Network describe precisely what we set out to achieve. SHAN has never become formally constituted and the best it has come up with to date and that governs what it does is our terms of reference. We recognise that homelessness is a huge subject with many views being offered as to how to deal with it. While we do what our TOR says, we recognise our members are of all faiths and none and from different political and ideological persuasions. As such we tend not to get involve in campaigning and try not to be divisive. When it comes to initiating projects, this is normally undertaken by partner organisations, with members helping where they can.

4. SHAN Terms of Reference
meet from time to time, but a minimum of four times a year, to discuss homeless issues with a view to finding and implementing solutions and do so in a spirit of partnership.
provide a compassionate network, based on trust and understanding, that will support members in the work they do concerning homeless and other vulnerable persons.
understand the issues around homeless people, including how needs are being met or not being met in Southend, and propose, support and help implement practical and enduring solutions, including the identification and promotion of good practice.
understand government (central and local) policies with respect to homeless people and specifically to engage and partner with Southend Borough Council in the implementation of its Homelessness Prevention Strategy and whenever needs are identified or opportunities arise.
share and disseminate information regarding homelessness and issues affecting those who are homeless, within SHAN and to those who are in contact with SHAN members.

5. We do not campaign
We do not initiate projects
We have no money
We work on a volunteer basis
We do not consider individual cases
We are not in cohorts with the establishment
We are a “broad church” representing many views
We are not religious or political
We are not part of the anti-establishment
Our focus: Southend, Homeless, Action, Network
We bring people together from all the community
We do seek a better deal for the homeless

6. Our achievements met every two months since starting (20-30 attend)
have an e-distribution of 200+ we send to monthly
brought together all sections of the community: faith, voluntary, statutory, individuals
Put on two successful day conferences
Supported work among sanctuary seekers
Helped initiate projects e.g. CWNS
Maintained a rough sleeper leaflet
Been involved in consultations etc.
Engaged with a variety of experts in the field
Done what is written on the tin: SHAN

7. Contact us
John Barber (SHAN Chair) at if you would like to be added to the SHAN distribution and receive notifications about our meetings and other items that may be of interest relating to homelessness, or you simply wish to comment, inquire, engage. His telephone contact is: Our webpage is: