How Trust Begins on the Streets:
For weeks, Kate passed the same gentleman in St Peter’s Square. Every morning, she offered a smile or a quiet “good morning,” but he never replied. Like many who are sleeping rough, he seemed cautious — unsure who to trust, or whether anyone really wanted to help.
Then, one morning, something changed.
As Kate walked by, he finally said, “Good morning” back. A few days later, he stopped to talk. He shared a little about what was going on in his life — and told her that some of the other guys on the street had said, “You can talk to Kate. She’s good. She can help you.”
It was a small moment, but a powerful one — the start of a relationship built on trust and hope.
What Outreach Looks Like at King’s Arms Project
Stories like this capture what our Outreach Team is all about. Every week, our workers head out early in the morning to meet people where they are — on the streets of Bedford, in encampments, or in hidden corners of the town centre.
The aim is simple but not easy: to connect with those who are rough sleeping, build trust, and begin the journey towards stability and safety.
We primarily work with people who have recourse to public funds, helping them move into hostels, private tenancies, or council-supported accommodation. This work has been life-changing — particularly for those who once had No Recourse to Public Funds. Many now have ID documents, have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, and are beginning to rebuild their lives.
Our outreach workers often support clients with complex needs, including substance misuse and mental health challenges. They walk alongside people through the long process of change — attending probation appointments, job centre meetings, and medical visits. Sometimes progress is slow. But every conversation, every connection, is a step forward.
Hope Takes Time
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, perseverance, and compassion — the kind that keeps showing up, morning after morning, until someone finally feels safe enough to say “good morning” back.
That’s what outreach at King’s Arms Project is all about: meeting people where they are, offering practical support, and helping them rediscover hope.
