A HOMELESS charity has been working tirelessly in the community in the run up to Christmas.

Among a number of initiatives set up by homeless charity, HARP, the Southend Bach Choir was joined by the Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell during a service at St Mary’s Church, in Prittlewell.

Last year, the community event helped to raise £700 for the charity as it works to overcome homelessness across Southend. This year’s tally is still being counted.

 

Earlier this month, the charity and its formerly-homeless residents welcomed activist Heather Mills to host a Vegan Christmas Dinner Workshop.

Among the audience were seven of the residents who are currently staying in the charity’s emergency accommodation, following a period of homelessness while a group of residents from Harp’s women’s hostel, White Heather House, also attended.

The facility was officially opened by the well-known vegan earlier this year.

 

During the workshop on December 6, Ms Mills showed the residents how to cook a delicious vegan Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, as well as sharing her experiences and listening to those who wished to share theirs.

The cookery course had a lot of interest from the residents helped by the charity.

HARP also opened a brand new shop at 91 Broadway, Leigh, on Friday December 21. The shop will raise vital cash to help the charity continue to provide services for homeless people in the town.

The organisation’s residents also worked to create and decorate Christmas trees out of recycled pallets and sold them to the community during the festive season.