A Riverside project that supports homeless people has won a prestigious award from London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Street Buddies scooped the Supporting and Inspiring accolade at the Team London Awards 2017.

The annual ceremony took place last night (November 6) at City Hall, recognising volunteers and volunteering projects that do great things for the capital.

Street Buddies won for supporting rough sleepers in Westminster and for making a positive impact by engaging with them.

Louise Simonsen, Service Manager for Street Buddies in Westminster, said: “The whole service is based on our Street Buddies volunteers going out several times a week and speaking rough sleepers all year round in all weathers. Their dedication and commitment is invaluable to helping entrenched rough sleepers off the streets. They are an inspiration.

“I could not be prouder of my team and they are all so pleased with the recognition. This award win is for all our volunteers past and present who contributed to the work over the years.

“It was a very inspiring evening with so many amazing teams and individuals nominated, and it is a real boost to the volunteers to be commended for all their hard work.

“We couldn’t do without the support from Big Lottery and Church Housing Trust who help fund it.”

Street Buddies is led by volunteers with lived experience of homelessness and rough sleeping to help entrenched rough sleepers off the streets by sharing their own experience to inspire change and act as positive role models.

The outreach service was nominated by Church Housing Trust who fundraise to support Street Buddies, and Westminster Council’s Westminster Rough Sleeping Team.

Robert White, Commissioning Manager for Rough Sleeping at Westminster Council, said: “This award is absolutely deserved, and I’m delighted Street Buddies were recognised as the leading team in London – that’s amazing!

“The work of Street Buddies is absolutely instrumental in our strategy to reduce rough sleeping, and we could not be more impressed with the ability of the team to reach out and engage with individuals that have a deep mistrust of services and an extensive rough sleeping history.”

More details about Street Buddies can be found here.