We hold a range of events to inform about homelessness, engage people in supporting the Connection, and to raise money. All upcoming events are listed below with more information and how to get involved.
Kitchen servery Volunteering
The Connection offers volunteering opportunities to those wishing to help practically in the Centre. These opportunities allow us to ensure those experiencing homelessness in Westminster have a warm, safe place to be and to enjoy two hot meals each day. By giving your time, you’ll help create a caring and calm environment. Every shift helps us run the service smoothly and ensures everyone who stays with us feels supported and respected. If you would like more information and to volunteer you can reach us through this link Kitchen servery volunteering
London Open House, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Saturday 19 September 2026
We’re delighted to support London’s Open House weekend alongside St Martin-in-the-Fields on Saturday 19 September, for the church’s 300th Anniversary. They are offering free activities including church and wider site tours, where you can climb the steps to the bell tower, explore the secret garden or spend some quiet time sketching. You will also be able to listen to a rehearsal for that evening’s concert, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight, and can enjoy 20% off concert tickets for the actual performance by showing your Open House programme. You can help us run a stall for part or all of the day (11am – 5pm) by emailing friends@cstm.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you.
Friends Day and AGM, Saturday 3 October 2026
Our annual Friends Day and AGM is on Saturday 3 October. We are delighted to be joined by both Rupert Bateson, Director of Services at The Connection, who will talk about how The Connection is responding to the current climate of homelessness, including the aim of the new Prime Minister to end rough sleeping. We are also joined by Florence Amery, Head of People & Culture at The Connection, who will give updates on Volunteering at The Connection. Details of the day are below. We would love it if you can join us, either online or in person. Please do let us know if you are able to attend by emailing friends@cstm.org.uk.
10am – Registration – Online or in person at The Connection.
10.30am – How does The Connection respond to the current climate of homelessness – Discussion and Q&A with Rupert Bateson, Director of Services at The Connection.
11.15am – Volunteering at The Connection – Talk and Q&A with Florence Amery, Head of People & Culture at The Connection.
11:45am – Annual General Meeting of the Friends including Presentation of the 2026 Guy Mason award.
1pm – Light refreshments and safe journey home.
1.30pm – Services of Prayers and Thanksgiving at the Dick Sheppard Chapel, St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Bucket collection (World Homeless Day), Saturday 10 October 2026
Saturday 10 October is World Homeless Day. The Friends of the Connection will be raising awareness and (hopefully) funds, with a bucket collection at King’s Cross station. If you are free, and would like to join us, meet fellow Friends and help raise awareness of The Connection, please do email: friends@cstm.org.uk for more details and/or to express interest.
Sheila’s City Walks
Trustee of the Friends, Sheila Batchelor, is offering is offering guided tours around London, where any monies paid go directly to the Friends of The Connection. Her walk routes include along the River Thames, the Great Fire(s) of London, City Gardens including Barbican, City highlights and LGBTQ+. To find out more please visit Sheila’s City walks
Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride, 27-30 August 2027
We are pleased to announce the Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride in 2027, will again take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 27-30 August 2027. Registrations will open in the last week of October 2026, but to express interest or for more information, please email: friends@cstm.org.uk