Providence Row x Eastern City BID Winter Activity Round-Up (November–December 2025)

As winter takes grip, the need across the Square Mile and neighbouring boroughs continues to rise. Recent data shows that nearly 500 people were recorded sleeping rough across the City of London and Tower Hamlets, with increasing levels of entrenched homelessness and complex mental health needs. As temperatures fall, January, February and March bring the most dangerous months of the year for people living on the streets.

Against this backdrop, Providence Row worked alongside Eastern City BID, with strong engagement from City organisations, building communities and professionals connected to the Eastern City district, to deliver and support a programme of activity throughout November and December — helping to highlight and bridge #TheMileBetweenUs.

The collective efforts across the festive period have enabled Providence Row to continue its mission through the harshest winter months — providing hundreds of hot meals, access to healthcare and mental health support, warm clothing, and practical frontline services for hundreds of people affected by homelessness across the City and neighbouring boroughs. As winter deepens and conditions on the streets become life-threatening, this sustained support is making a real and immediate difference.

CEO Sleepout – City Professionals Standing in Solidarity

City professionals from businesses based in and around the Eastern City district joined senior leaders and corporate partners at the Providence Row CEO Sleepout, standing in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness and helping to raise vital funds and awareness for the Winter Safe Spaces Appeal — a powerful demonstration of leadership in action.

Gaming Night – Engagement Led by City Teams

The retro Gaming Night provided an accessible and inclusive way for City professionals to get involved, with teams from across City-based organisations coming together to fundraise, connect and support Providence Row’s winter work.

Carols Across the City – Music, Community and Connection

A series of lunchtime carol performances brought moments of warmth and reflection into busy working days across City buildings, including 8 Bishopsgate, 20 Gracechurch Street, 20 Fenchurch Street and The Leadenhall Building.

The programme culminated in a special outdoor performance beneath the Leadenhall Building by the Hackney Empire Community Choir, supported by Eastern City BID and Theatre Deli, bringing City workers and passers-by together in a shared moment of community and awareness — a visible reminder of #TheMileBetweenUs.

Annual Carol Service – St Mary Moorfields, Bishopsgate

Providence Row’s Annual Carol Service was held at St Mary Moorfields, bringing together City professionals, corporate partners, trustees, staff and supporters to reflect on the year and recommit to collective action.

Volunteering in Action – Practical Support on the Frontline

Alongside events, City professionals volunteered their time across Providence Row’s services — supporting meal provision in our kitchen, assisting at health fairs, and contributing to our charity pop-up shop. These hands-on volunteering days helped narrow #TheMileBetweenUs by connecting City teams directly with frontline services.

Winter Food Donation & Clothing Donations – City Buildings Respond

City buildings and occupiers also supported Providence Row through winter food donations and clothing collections, helping ensure people experiencing homelessness had access to warmth, nourishment and dignity during the coldest months.

City-Wide Visibility

Throughout the festive period, the Providence Row logo was visible across the City as part of Eastern City BID’s winter celebrations, helping raise awareness of homelessness and prompting conversations about #TheMileBetweenUs and how people can support.

Looking Ahead: Winter and Beyond

With collective support from the Eastern City BID, its Steering Group, and the many City organisations and professionals who engaged through the BID network, these collective efforts have helped sustain vital frontline services at a time of rising need.

As we move through the remainder of winter and look ahead to 2026, there are many ways to stay involved — from volunteering opportunities and corporate partnerships, to fundraising events, City challenges and new initiatives that create lasting impact.

To find out more, please reach out via the Eastern City BID team, or contact Michael Blakesley, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager at Providence Row.

Together, we can continue to build on this momentum — bridging #TheMileBetweenUs and delivering positive outcomes that change lives in real time.