SCT's 50th Anniversary

Download the new Accidental Hipster magazine to read about our work over the last 50 years (PDF 5Mb)

Back in 1965, SCT provided one of the first residential rehabs in the UK for homeless alcoholic men.

“Today we are almost unrecognisable, but two things remain the same: we care deeply about the people we work with and want the best for them. Everyone still values that about SCT.

"Secondly, we are in for the long haul. We are not involved in short bursts before moving on to the next person. Recovery takes time involving healing, change and maturity in the inner person. That is where long-term and permanent change has to happen.”

Graham Marshall, CEO of SCT

Today, there remains a persistent need to help people through periods of homelessness and addiction, and we find that it’s the same triggers that drive people towards drink or drugs:

failed relationships
losing a job
a history of addiction in the family

Despite this, there are celebrations to be had. In our 50 years, we have set up:

a regular drop in service for homeless people
a 16-bed residential recovery accommodation for alcoholics and drug addicts
4 supported houses hosting 29 beds for those ready to integrate back into wider society
a training and personal development centre now teaching over 80 students per term
2 social enterprises
relapse prevention groups and counselling services
7 charity shops

Find out how to get involved in our anniversary events.

Many people we’ve helped have been reunited with family and friends, are now employed, or even have their own business. These changes are a transformation from the state of addiction.

Graham Marshall, our former CEO, tell's SCT's story in this short video:

To celebrate our golden anniversary, we're looking forward as well as back.

Whilst it would be nice to think that there wouldn’t be a need for another 50 years of SCT, we will continue to support people through these most difficult experiences.

During 2015, we hope to raise an additional £50,000 towards our work in keeping people in recovery, in a home and in work. Those who get back to work soon after achieving abstinence stand a much better chance of avoiding relapse. This extra money will fund our ‘progression’ work helping people into jobs, training or education.

“I can’t thank SCT enough. It’s saved my life.”

Steve, trainee in our furniture restoration social enterprise.

In March 2016, we will be hosting the last event of our birthday year. This is will be the SCT Photography Exhibition which captures images of people in our recovery community in Shoreditch, alongside pictures of local personalities and celebrities whose lives are touched by addiction.

Email Sonia to find out more or call 0207 613 5722.

Click on the links below to read more about our 50th anniversary events during 2015 and scroll down for some photos.

Health and clothes MOT for the homeless: In winter over 200 rough sleepers received a ‘full MOT’ of health checks, free winter clothes and haircuts at a special drop in for the homeless.
The SCT Charity Shop Strut: in May, Barbara Windsor opened our first ever fundraising walk to our East London charity shops. Inspired by two of our Acorn House residents as a way for them to give back to SCT.
The Bard's Yard garden party: in June, Shakespearean actor Timothy West opened the 'Garden of Time', a garden designed and created by our New Hanbury Project students.
SCT Choir 'flashmob at Spitalfields Market: on 6 November, seven London choirs sang at Spitalfields Market before leading a procession to open our Sponsored Sleep-In at Christ Church Spitalfields that night.
SCT Sponsored Sleep-In at the Crypt: over 44 sleepers raised over £21,000 by joining us for a unique Sponsored Sleep-In in the Crypt at Christ Church Spitalfields where SCT first began back in 1965.

Thanksgiving Service at Christ Church Spitalfields: a Thanksgiving Service in celebration of SCT’s 50 years of work was led by the Bishop of Stepney, the Right Reverend Adrian Newman.

For more information about these events, please email Sonia or call 0207 613 5722.

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