The Archer Project: changing lives for the better in Sheffield

The Archer Project is a charity that offers individuals the opportunity to progress away from homelessness, towards more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Joe Logan, Head of Funding for the Archer Project, shares how the charity provides tailored support to those in need and where grant funding from the Greggs Foundation is being used to help make that commitment possible.

“The Archer Project is a multi-agency hub supporting people through every stage of homelessness,” says Joe Logan. “So, our support spans from those people sleeping rough to the people experiencing hidden homelessness (often sofa surfing) to those who find themselves in community housing or rented space.”

The Archer Project “hub” begins with the charity’s kitchen. As the main draw for those experiencing deprivation, in 2024 the kitchen served up 24,445 meals a year and nourishes those in the community who would otherwise go hungry.

As Joe explains, however, this is just the starting point for support. Once people are at the kitchen, a whole network of local charities and support services are made available to assist people in changing their lives for the better. He says,

“We know that when people come into our project and have a positive experience getting food, they are more likely to hang around. That’s where we begin delivering our own services and those of other organisations in the area.

“We provide space for GPs, nurses, podiatrists and other charitable services like Framework Street Outreach. It’s also where we introduce people to our stabilisation activities such as walking trips, discussion groups, peer mentoring, supported volunteering in the community and even animal therapy sessions.”

The next step beyond the stabilisation phase is “fulfilment” – where The Archer Project supports individuals as they progress towards employment. This can come in the form of help in pursuing further education or direct employment. It can also involve people gaining employment within the charity’s own social enterprise, which creates custom print work. Joe says,

“This is an opportunity for people to gain work, either in customer facing roles on the shop floor or within the printing process itself.”

Creating a positive environment for vulnerable members of society

Asked about some of the challenges faced by the people supported by the Archer Project, Joe explains that homelessness is rarely the root cause of the problem for the most vulnerable in society; more often it’s the result of other underlying issues. He says,

"Research shows that around 94% of people experiencing homelessness have been through some form of trauma – most frequently adverse childhood experiences. A different study also showed that around 48% had experienced a traumatic brain trauma and, of these people, 9 in 10 had suffered that trauma before they experienced homelessness.

“These traumas and underlying issues mean that our team and those of other charities and organisations working in the area must help people to manage that trauma and manage triggering situations as part of helping them to recover and progress away from homelessness.”

He continues,

“Really, our service looks to reintegrate people as they follow that journey back into society. You could characterise us a central cog in Sheffield’s homelessness support, working in tandem with a lot of third sector organisations and statutory bodies.

“In many instances, we know that other organisations are better placed to deliver certain services so a large part of what we do is signpost those who come to our kitchen and encourage them to accept help – it often begins with a bit of food or a cup of coffee and a chat.

“From there we can help people to work towards positive overall outcomes. Broadly speaking, that comes in three forms: improved accommodation; improved health and wellbeing; improved citizenship.

“We know that having a place to call home and take pride in is important. It’s part of feeling safe and building self-esteem. Alongside this we encourage people to participate in their community, through either work or volunteering, and take proactive steps towards improving their health and wellbeing.

“Of course, this is all supported by practical assistance around budgeting and financial planning, understanding things like council tax and utility bills.”

Support from the Greggs Foundation: funding, food donations and the importance of being genuinely invested

Having received regular food donations from the local Greggs Outlet shop on Barnsley Road in Sheffield for many years, The Archer Project was first invited to apply for funding back in 2023 to contribute towards the core costs of running the charity. In 2024, The Archer Project was successful in applying for a second round of grant funding under the Community Grant programme – receiving £20,000 per year for two years to again support the core costs of running the centre. Joe explains,

“The type of unrestricted funding we receive from the Greggs Foundation is the best type of funding for an organisation like ours. It can contribute towards salaries, premises and essentially help to keep our doors open. Importantly, it shows a trust in our organisation that we will use the money the best way and with the greatest impact.”

Joe is also quick to add that the relationship with Greggs and the Greggs Foundation has also extended beyond financial support:

“We’ve had volunteers come in from the local Greggs Outlet and give their time to serve breakfast and work in the kitchen. We’ve also had several visits from the Foundation team who’ve shown a genuine interest in our work.

“Having a funder show a genuine passion, take the time to see what we do and show concern for the beneficiaries of the funding means a lot to us. I think it’s important to recognise the value that adds beyond simply signing a cheque and handing over money. The Greggs Foundation have been brilliant to work with.”

You can find out more about the incredible work being done at The Archer Project by visiting their website here.