Smita Bora, of St Mary-at-Finchley, on the work of the church this festive period

St Mary-at-Finchley has been running a Night Shelter on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings since the start of November as part of a wider scheme led by Homeless Action Barnet (HAB) and Together in Barnet (TiB). 

Volunteers provided hospitality to up to 16 men and women who are experiencing homelessness. Guests received a warm welcome, a hot evening meal, a safe place to sleep and breakfast. There was space for recreation in the evenings and endless cups of tea and coffee. The final session was on New Year’s Eve. 

As a result of generous donations by local businesses, the New Year was celebrated in style at the Night Shelter with flutes of Nosecco, party poppers and fireworks on TV.

Volunteer, Florence Somers, managed to source donations from several local businesses on Ballards Lane:

• Non-halal meat by Padraig O’Shea from Annie’s Freehouse
• Halal meat by Shwan Meats
• Cakes by Pelny Brzuch
• Vegetables by Mega Food Centre
• Free haircuts by Vestra Hair Salon

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