On Tuesday, 14 May at 2pm, Bristol Cathedral will host their fifth annual Service of Remembrance for those who have died affected by homelessness.
At the heart of the service, the names of those in the area who are known to have died while experiencing homelessness in the past year will be read aloud by individuals working in homelessness services, alongside those with lived experience of homelessness. This year, approximately 67 names will be remembered, with brief reflections shared about several of those who have died.
The sermon will be preached by The Rt Revd Rob Wickham, Chief Executive Officer of the Church Urban Fund and former Bishop of Edmonton, whose ministry has long focused on issues of poverty, housing and social justice.
Music during the service will be provided by Rising Voices, the community choir of Bristol Drugs Project, and a quartet from Bristol Cathedral Choir. Together, they will help create a space for people to gather to remember loved ones and those they have supported.
The service is organised in partnership with organisations from across the city that support people experiencing homelessness, as well as people with lived experience themselves. All who attend are warmly invited to stay afterwards for refreshments and cake provided by inHope’s Wild Goose Café.
Over the past five years, this service has become an important space for remembrance, where many people have been able to say goodbye to loved ones, sometimes for the first time. It also stands as a powerful reminder of the tragic loss of life connected to homelessness, and of the continuing need for long-term solutions, including increased access to affordable housing across our city.
Further information can be found by clicking the link below.