Union Chapel
Best known as an award-winning music venue with a global reputation for international musical events by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Adele, Michael Kiwanuka, and most recently Celeste and Damon Albarn, Union Chapel, London’s iconic music venue and Grade 1 listed chapel, operates as a charity helping people experiencing homelessness and crisis and they have transformed the lives of thousands of people.
During the pandemic, the charity gave direct support to 1600 vulnerable people, providing food, access to hot showers, essential supplies and shelter. They were a partner in the UK’s first homeless taskforce, opened a food bank with local partners and offered befriending and deliveries to people on Islington’s estates, providing over 1,500 meals and 600 support packs to over 500 people, as well as providing advice on issues such housing and benefits and support with health and wellbeing.
The demand for Union Chapel’s support services have increased by 66% since the pandemic and the longer-term impact of covid and the economic situation on those already facing disadvantage and inequality is becoming more acute.
The funding for the charity, and the upkeep of the building, comes largely from income generated by Union Chapel’s exciting calendar of music and arts events. It’s these events that enable the charity to deliver this vital community programme.
