Bristol Mayor praises Salvation Army’s holistic homeless support

The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Yassin Mohamud, visited The Salvation Army’s Logos House Lifehouse in Bristol, where he praised the organisation’s multi-faceted work in supporting people experiencing homelessness—offering not just shelter, but the compassionate, person-centred care that helps individuals regain stability, dignity, and hope for the future.

The mayor, who represents a diverse inner-city ward in Bristol and has served as a councillor since 2021, toured the facility and met with staff and residents. Originally from Somalia, Cllr Mohamud came to the UK as a refugee and built his life through volunteering and public service—a journey that has shaped his focus on opportunity and inclusion.

During the visit, Cllr Mohamud was given a tour by Service Manager Richard Sayer, who showed him the range of activities and support services available to residents. The mayor also met residents and learned how Logos House provides more than just accommodation, offering tailored support to help people rebuild their lives.

The mayor said, “I think it's a great opportunity to support our communities, because vulnerable people among us are often silent victims and what this centre is doing should be praised. The Salvation Army is a reminder that we are stronger as a community and when we support each other, we create better communities. I'm pleased and privileged to have been able to meet staff here who are touching lives and bring hope to people society would rather ignore.”

Cllr Mohamud said his lived experience of housing and integration challenges gives him a deep understanding of the issues facing vulnerable people. The mayor praised the centre's approach, noting the importance of second chances: 

“As people, we make mistakes, so it doesn't mean it's the end of life, or maybe the end of love. So, you're going to have a second chance, and to improve, and learn from your mistakes also.”

Richard Sayer, the Service Manager at Logos House, said the visit was an important opportunity to build connections and showcase the centre's work.

“The Lord Mayor is our local councillor—this is his patch. So, we invited him in to see the work for himself. We took him through the art rooms, the prayer spaces, the sensory relaxation room, the games room—every corner where life happens here. He stopped in front of the art on our walls, pieces painted by former residents. You could see it hit him—those aren't just pictures; they're proof of transformation. Our staff loved chatting with him, showing him, this isn't a hostel, it's a place where lives get rebuilt. And when we stepped outside to the garden, where residents sit and connect, he saw it clearly—this is a community, not just a building. That's why we wanted him here. Not for a photo op—for a real look at what we do, on his own doorstep.”

Logos House Lifehouse is a supported accommodation service for men experiencing homelessness, offering a stable home alongside dedicated support to help people rebuild their lives, develop skills, and regain independence. The centre is part of a wider network of Salvation Army homelessness services across the South West. Logos House operates with a commitment to harm reduction at the core of its programmes. To learn more about Logos House and donate towards their efforts, visit their website Logos House Lifehouse | The Salvation Army.