Community unites in tribute to lives lost to homelessness and addiction

published on 19 Dec 2025

They were neighbours, each with a name and a story. Yet too often, their passing goes unmarked. On Friday 12 December, a community stood together to change that.

The Winton Salvation Army hosted the annual Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council memorial service, a solemn gathering where around 50 people paused to honour individuals who died while homeless or struggling with addiction. The service was a profound act of remembrance, insisting that every life holds dignity.

Major James Hill who leads The Salvation Army in Winton, led the service on behalf of the broad Homelessness Partnership BCP. The ceremony was filled with quiet moments of reflection. As a single candle was lit, the names of the departed were read aloud, each one a life lost but now remembered by a community determined to see them.

“For many who die in homelessness, there is no funeral. This service is our community's way of saying, 'You were here. You mattered.' It brings dignity to the life they lived and honours them in death. That is a powerful thing,"

said James.

The memorial, revived last year after a pandemic pause, saw support workers, council representatives, faith leaders, and people with lived experience standing side-by-side. They gathered around a Christmas tree for a photograph—a symbol of togetherness and a shared vow that these lives are not forgotten. The leader of BCP council, Councillor Millie Earl was one of the representatives present.

PrayerForTheDeparted_Winton — A few of those attending gathered for a photo to represent all those who took time to pause, remember and reflect on this day.

"To keep homelessness as a prominent subject highlights to the community that it takes a whole community to tackle poverty and alleviate suffering. This is also at the heart of Winton Salvation Army’s mission. Coming together in this way brings dignity and respect to those who must not be forgotten. It sends a clear message that all lives matter."

The Homelessness Partnership BCP, is a coalition of over 40 local statutory bodies, businesses, charities, faith groups, and educational institutions, all committed to ending homelessness in the region. Driven by people with lived experience, the partnership works to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.

Practical compassion and change of heart

James is encouraging the community to support any of the partner organisations within the Homelessness Partnership BCP and urges people to "see beyond the suffering to see a real human being and give them the dignity that all human beings deserve."

Despite the grief inherent in the occasion, the service carried a firm resolve:

"The message was one of hope. Hope that one day, society must overcome the injustice of homelessness and poverty. With the help of churches and compassionate organisations, the BCP Homeless Partnership will not give up."