OUR cathedral will open its doors to offer beds for the homeless for five months over this winter.

Portsmouth Cathedral is joining forces with Portsmouth City Council and the Society of St James (SSJ) to provide a warm, safe place for people experiencing homelessness. From next week until March 2026, the cathedral’s Becket Hall will offer shelter and support for to up to 12 guests.

All guests are referred and assessed in advance by the council, ensuring that those who stay are low-risk and suitable for this setting. Two trained SSJ staff members will be present throughout each night, creating a calm and well-managed environment. The project is part of a partnership between the cathedral, the council, and SSJ, a charity with more than 50 years of experience supporting people to move forward from homelessness.

Canon Harriet Neale-Stevens, Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean said: “As the nights draw in, this partnership allows us to offer warmth and kindness to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The guests who stay with us are referred through the council’s experienced team, and the project is carefully managed to ensure everyone’s safety and peace of mind. It’s a simple but powerful expression of care in action.”

Tania Marsh, chief executive of the Society of St James, said: "At SSJ we know how vital it is for people to feel safe and respected, whatever their circumstances. Our experienced staff will be on hand every night to offer both support and reassurance, ensuring the shelter runs smoothly for guests and the wider community. We’re grateful to Portsmouth Cathedral and the city council for their partnership in making this possible."

And Cllr Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, said: "I'm very pleased to see this excellent example of a community working together to support our most vulnerable members. Homelessness and rough sleeping is something we can all help to combat, and having this extra option available for people rough sleeping in Portsmouth is so important."

Each morning, guests will be invited to the council's Rough Sleeping Hub on Queen Street, where they can enjoy a hot breakfast, shower facilities, and access to help with housing, health and benefits. The Becket Hall shelter offers more than a bed for the night, it provides a bridge towards stability and renewal.

Local residents have been informed about this initiative, and the Cathedral and council teams remain available to answer any questions. This initiative has been made possible due to extra funding from the government's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.