Cambridge Cyrenians
Cambridge Cyrenians is a local charity working to prevent and relieve homelessness in Cambridge. For over 55 years, we have provided safe, stable homes and specialist support (through our Wellbeing and Independence Services) to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
We believe that everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, respected and supported. That’s why we focus on providing real homes - not hostels - alongside practical and emotional support that helps people rebuild their lives.
Cambridge Cyrenians is a local charity working to prevent and relieve homelessness in Cambridge. For over 55 years, we have provided safe, stable homes and specialist support (through our Wellbeing and Independence Services) to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
We believe that everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, respected and supported. That’s why we focus on providing real homes - not hostels - alongside practical and emotional support that helps people rebuild their lives.
"It's people like you at Cambridge Cyrenians that give me hope. Thank you very much."
Products and services
Our Community Allotment
Cambridge Cyrenians' community allotment is a six-plot growing space in Cambridge, open twice a week to people with experience of homelessness. It's a place to be outdoors, learn something new, and be part of something, with no gardening experience required.
The Wildlife Trusts 'Wildlife Gardening Award' winner for a wildlife and nature-friendly space, 2026.
Our allotment includes:
- Vegetable plots for growing fresh produce
- A wildlife area with ponds and a small orchard
- A forest skills zone with a fire pit
- Wildflower plots and a beekeeping area
- A large social space known as ‘The Old Barn’
- Tool sheds, a polytunnel and bike storage
- A creative, beach-themed show garden
- Solar panels and composting toilets
Who can join our sessions?
- Sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday - 10am to 1pm
- We welcome anyone from Cambridge Cyrenians housing, other local people who use homelessness services in Cambridge, and anyone who has been homeless in the past.Individuals can self-refer, but we also encourage other organisations to make referrals.
- Find out more by contacting Allotment Co-Ordinator, Kevin Walshe: 07815 524496 or [email protected]
Our Supported Accommodation
Having a safe place to live is the foundation for rebuilding a life. Cambridge Cyrenians provides supported accommodation for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Cambridge, offering stability, dignity and a place to feel at home.
Short Stay
Our short-stay house offers temporary, supported accommodation for people who need a safe place to stabilise and plan their next steps.
- Single-room accommodation for ten men and women
- Designed as temporary housing, with most residents moving on within 12 months
- Staff support residents to assess needs and access services, including move-on accommodation
- Dog-friendly, with space for one resident to keep their dog
Long Stay
Our long-stay houses provide stable, supportive accommodation for people who need ongoing support and are not ready to live independently.
- For individuals assessed as requiring significant, ongoing support
- Designed as settled, long-term communities, rather than move-on housing
- Suitable for people unlikely to maintain an independent tenancy in the near future
- Primarily for residents aged 50 and over, with flexibility for younger residents where appropriate
- Offers a safe, supportive environment for people who prefer not to live independently
- On-site office support with experienced staff
Housing First
We provide Housing First accommodation in partnership with the Cambridgeshire Housing First Project, offering long-term stability as a starting point for recovery.
- Delivered in partnership with the Cambridgeshire Housing First Project
- Focuses on housing first, with support built around the individual
- No conditions for housing or support, other than wanting a tenancy
- Provides a stable, long-term home as the foundation for positive change
Women Only
We provide women-only accommodation units in Cambridge, offering a safe and supportive environment for women who need specialist housing.
- Specialist women-only accommodations units in Cambridge
- Designed specifically to provide a safe and secure environment
- Uses a Psychology Informed Environment (PIE) approach
- Focuses on emotional safety, stability and wellbeing
Prison Leavers
We offer specialist accommodation for people who have been involved in the criminal justice system, providing structured support to help them rebuild stability after release.
- Specialist accommodation for people leaving prison or involved with the criminal justice system
- Referrals made directly by prisons, probation services and partner organisations
- Focused on supporting stability, responsibility and positive routines
- On-site specialist support to help offenders reintegrate back into society
Move-on Houses
Our move-on houses support residents who are ready to take the next step towards independent living, offering low-level support in a shared home environment.
- Small shared houses accommodating three to five residents
- Designed to help residents prepare for managing their own tenancy
- Low-level support from visiting Project Workers
- Focus on building confidence, responsibility and independence
- Residents are encouraged to engage in meaningful activity, such as work, volunteering, training or education
Mental Health Service
Life after homelessness can be challenging, but people don’t have to face it alone.
Our free counselling offers a safe, confidential space to talk, think things through, and explore what might help next. Our trained counsellors will listen without judgement and work at a pace that feels right for each person.
We also offer:
- Direct support for individuals to improve mental wellbeing
- Close working with support staff and external agencies
- Help accessing healthcare, including GPs, psychiatrists and adult mental health services
- Support to stay active, manage wellbeing and build resilience
Older Homeless Service
Supporting people aged 45 and over to find and keep safe, stable housing.
Types of support that can be offered are:
- Budgeting and money management
- Help applying for benefits and accessing debt advice
- Support attending appointments, such as GP and hospital
- Help with shopping and healthy choices, in person or online
- Advice on substance misuse and where to get help
- Safeguarding support, including referrals to adult social care
- Help sustaining a tenancy - neighbour agreements, ASB, cuckooing and county lines concerns
- Support exploring a move to more appropriate accommodation
Wellbeing & Independence Services
Homelessness support goes far beyond providing a safe place to live.
Our Wellbeing and Independence Services offer the wraparound help that sets people on the path to stability and independence. Here is what that looks like:
- Mental Health Service: Long-term, specialist support from a qualified mental health professional, working alongside housing to help people build confidence and a more secure future.
- Community Allotment: Open every Tuesday and Thursday across six plots in central Cambridge, giving people a structured space to grow food, build routine and connect with others.
- Older Homeless Service: Tailored support for people aged 45 and over, helping them move into suitable accommodation or remain safely and stably housed.
- Meaningful Activities: Helping people access education, training and volunteering opportunities on their journey towards employment and independence
Supported Accommodation
Having a safe place to live is the foundation for rebuilding a life. Cambridge Cyrenians provides supported accommodation for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Cambridge, offering stability, dignity and a place to feel at home.
For more information, please visit our website.
