ABOUT THE ARCHER PROJECT

“I always thought, tomorrows another day. That light in that darkness was fundamentally, one hundred percent, only present as a result of The Archer Project… In between all the torture and the tornados that you go through being homeless, it’s an anchor.” – Anonymous person we support

The Archer Project offers non-judgemental support to people experiencing all stages and types of homelessness in Sheffield and the wider region. The charity makes a tangible difference by supporting and empowering people to progress away from a survival mindset, to live a more fulfilling life. This includes support with education, mental and physical healthcare, a route back to work and assistance towards permanent housing.

The Archer Project plays an integral role in the Sheffield support network, acting as a multi-agency hub hosting a range of external services on-site, including substance dependency support, housing agencies and medical practitioners. This promotes a holistic engagement with all areas of wellbeing and aims to ensure individuals seek help for a range of previously unmet needs.

The Archer Project’s recovery Pathway from street homelessness and hidden homelessness towards a settled life – in which there is no one definitive journey – takes a trauma informed and holistic approach. The Pathway has been developed alongside people with lived experience of homelessness and in response to the individuals who access The Project.

Building meaningful relationships with individuals can help people overcome barriers to support. Recognising that individuality and personal choice are key to a person’s recovery is essential.

Individuals on this Pathway are supported to develop independence, engage with health and wellbeing services, learn to identify and change negative behaviours, build confidence and self-esteem, and improve ability to tackle setbacks.

“Home has a very personal meaning, and it’s important we consider that for everyone we support. We work with over 20 agencies and organisations in the city to help beneficiaries in their journey out of homelessness.” – Tim Renshaw, Chief Executive

The Project’s services include serving breakfast and lunch each weekday; distributing food parcels; providing clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries; offering access to showers and laundry; operating a medical space with visiting outreach GPs, dentists, wound care nurses, podiatrists, chiropodists, and more.

Addressing day-to-day issues creates room for establishing stability through volunteering and peer mentoring in the Partnership Programme. Indicators of recovery include good health and well-being; a safe, stable home; active engagement with the wider community.

The Archer Project has also developed thriving social enterprises Just Clean and the award-winning Printed by Us, where individuals can experience paid work in a supportive environment that helps people builds skills and confidence. You can visit Printed by Us’ shop on Chapel Walk or online at https://www.printedbyus.org/

The charity’s history of transforming the lives of people experiencing homeless in Sheffield began in 1990. Sheffield saw increases in unemployment and poverty in the 1980s, due to its industry’s decline. The Archer Project quickly established itself as a venue where people facing homelessness felt welcome and supported. What started as tea and toast served by members of the Cathedral congregation has developed and expanded into a holistic service designed to help people to improve their lives.

Today, the impact of rising living costs continues to be felt and is reflected in the busy nature of The Archer Project. In 2024, the charity supported 1,223 individuals and offered 24,445 meals. The level of demand is unsustainable for The Project, who rely solely on donations from the community and grant funding. Despite challenges, the charity delivered 205 therapeutic activities and facilitated 5,909 hours of supported volunteering last year.

The Archer Project’s work is fundamental to helping break barriers for people to access care, supporting empowerment, promoting trust in systems, positively impacting the wider community and potentially impacting future generations and breaking generational homelessness.

You can support The Archer Project by becoming a regular donor, or fundraising for the charity. You could visit The Project, or use their Amazon wishlist, to donate essential items.

If you’re part of a club, community group or local business you could nominate The Archer Project for your funding programmes, or as your chosen charity. Joining The Bridge is a great way for businesses to invest in local community and help break down barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness.

To find out more or get involved, visit archerproject.org.uk and printedbyus.org

Follow The Archer Project on social media:

Facebook – @archerprojectsheffield

Instagram – @archerproject

LinkedIn – search ‘The Archer Project’