A record-breaking Summer Resource Fair at RESTART Lives
On Friday 11 July, RESTART Lives hosted one of its most important events of the year, their Summer Resource Fair. The RESTART Lives team and a group of dedicated volunteers welcomed 55 guests for an afternoon providing vital supplies and support to their guests who are experiencing homelessness in London.
This annual event is a core part of RESTART Lives’ work, particularly during the summer months as temperatures reach dangerous levels. As temperatures across the UK rise, the risk to homeless individuals grows too, with heat often proving more dangerous than cold due to dehydration, underlying health conditions, and the lack of cool spaces in our cities.
The impact of high temperatures on people experiencing homelessness
London’s infrastructure is not built to provide heat relief, and for people sleeping rough, it can be difficult (sometimes impossible) to access shade, shelter, or a safe place to cool down. The Summer Resource Fair is designed to help meet those challenges by providing high-factor sunscreen, water, cooling aids, protective clothing and footwear, phone chargers, and a moment to rest indoors with a cool drink.
A warm welcome to guests
At 4pm, the doors opened to a queue of guests waiting to see what this year’s resource fair would offer. Some years donations vary, but this summer, thanks to generous supporters and funders, the team were able to give out a wide range of essential items, from trainers to sunhats, socks to electric fans.
The dedicated volunteers and team members helped guests choose what they needed, pack bags, serve tea, coffee, and cool refreshments, and offer rest, advice and company. In all, 55 guests accessed the fair, supported by 11 incredible volunteers from AlixPartners, alongside our RESTART Lives staff and security team.
As one guest shared:
“I walk a lot, I love my shoes. I am so thankful for a charger, I need it when I’m outside.”
Later that evening, the weekly drop-in session welcomed a record for the year of 115 guests. For many, the drop-in and the resource fair are also a gateway to ongoing advice, casework, and long-term change.
Incredible volunteers and generous donors
A huge thank you to AlixPartners, whose team arrived early to help receive deliveries, sort supplies, check quality, and pack hundreds of resource bags. They brought energy, kindness, and vital practical help. Their financial contribution also funded half the items distributed at the fair.
We also extend our deepest thanks to HSBC, Catherine from K&C Foundation, The Hygiene Bank, and Sheltersuit. Their donations of shelterbags, toiletries and trainers allowed the team to meet specific guest requests and provide the high-impact items that make such a difference to health and wellbeing.
Thank you for supporting the Summer Resource Fair
To every volunteer, supporter, partner, and guest: thank you for making the RESTART Lives Summer Resource Fair such a success!
To make a donation to RESTART Lives’ work, and ultimately make a difference for the lives of our most vulnerable members of society, please do so here.
