Streets Fest 2023 in Finsbury Park

Streets Fest, a support festival for people who are experiencing street homelessness in Haringey or Islington, was held on Tuesday 5 September in Finsbury Park.

Haringey and Islington Councils worked collaboratively alongside grassroots group Streets Kitchen and Jamming for Change to deliver this annual event. Attendees were able to access a wide range of different support services in the same place, on the same day, in a festival-themed setting. Services such as housing support, drug and alcohol advice, education information, vaccination information, training and employment support, and women’s specific services were on-site.

Streets Fest also gave volunteers and caseworkers an opportunity to network and form relationships with other services they may not already be working with. It is hoped this will strengthen collaboration between the two boroughs and those who are providing and receiving support.

Cllr Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Well-being said “We know that people experiencing homelessness are more likely to have poor health, and we want to tackle that together through inclusive initiatives. Everyone should be able to access health services, and meeting people outdoors at Streets Fest helps the Council and partners reach more people, in an accessible way. Many thanks to everyone involved.”

Cllr Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters, and Planning, said, “It was great to see people of all backgrounds come together to help our community – housing is a fundamental right, and here in Haringey we are working hard to make sure everyone in our borough lives in a home that is comfortable, safe, and secure.

“Events like this are part of Haringey’s commitment to work alongside partner agencies and people with lived experience of homelessness to end rough sleeping in the borough.”

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing street homelessness, visit our website for help and support.