A Hammersmith and Fulham-based charity has continued providing hot meals and essential facilities to homeless and low-income people thanks to support from Virgin Unite’s Local Legends fund.
St Andrew’s Church Homeless Project received a £5,000 grant to support its weekly drop-in and foodbank project, which helps homeless and low-income guests access hot food, showers and practical support. The funding helped the charity cover the cost of a new
cooker and an upgraded shower, enabling it to continue serving good-quality meals and provide more hot-water showers for local residents.
During the funding period, the project continued serving hot meals to between 60 and 100 guests each week. The volunteer-led service runs every Saturday morning throughout the year, with around 80% of those attending experiencing homelessness.
Ruth Finnis, Project Manager at St Andrew’s Church Homeless Project, said: “For most of our guests, coming to St Andrew’s is about far more than receiving practical support. It’s a place where they are welcomed, listened to and treated with dignity.
“Virgin Unite’s Local Legends grant has given us greater confidence in the future of the project and helped ensure our volunteers can continue creating a safe, dependable space for people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives. The funding has
also enabled us to expand the scale of the project, allowing us to prepare and serve hot meals for more guests and provide reliable access to hot showers without the hot water running out, helping us meet growing demand with dignity and care.”
The impact extends beyond those the charity supports. One volunteer, who had previously worked in catering before becoming unemployed, began supporting as a chef after attending the project for several weeks. Through the project, he rebuilt his confidence in
the kitchen and has since secured accommodation and returned to work as a chef at a restaurant, a wonderful example of how the project helps people rediscover confidence, purpose and a path forward.
St Andrew’s Church Homeless Project is one of 161 charities and community interest companies supported by Local Legends – a £1 million fund launched by Virgin Unite in 2023 – to tackle issues including poverty, educational inequality, health, human rights and
social isolation.
Holly Branson, Chair of Virgin Unite and Chief Vision Officer at Virgin, said: “I’m forever inspired hearing stories about our people at Virgin dedicating their spare time volunteering for causes they care about. We
firmly believe our volunteers should be celebrated. This is why we set up Local Legends with Virgin Unite, as a UK project to support local charities and recognise team members who make a difference in their communities.
“Reaching the £1 million milestone is an incredibly special moment for Virgin Unite, but its true impact can be seen through charities like St Andrew’s Church Homeless Project and the difference they are making every day.”
To be eligible for Local Legends funding, employees from Virgin businesses across the UK were encouraged to nominate the charities they actively volunteer with. This personal connection is at the heart of the programme, helping Virgin support organisations
its people know, understand and care deeply about.
This summer marks the completion of the fifth and final round of the Local Legends programme and the distribution of Virgin Unite’s full £1 million fund. 49 charities have received Local Legends funding in 2026 with each organisation receiving a total grant
of at least £5,000.
Sheetal Vyas, Managing Director of Virgin Unite, said: “At Virgin Unite, we’re proud to support local charities and community interest companies across the UK through the Local Legends programme. They tackle a wide range of important issues—from poverty
and food insecurity to educational inequality, health and human rights.”
“We believe that the people closest to these challenges are often best placed to create lasting solutions. That’s why Local Legends backs the causes our people across the Virgin Group care deeply about, empowering them to volunteer and drive positive change
in their own communities.”
