Chelsea Foundation is extending its Wrap Up Warm grants for a further year, providing a combined £75,000 of unrestricted funding to three local charities supporting people experiencing homelessness across south-west London and Surrey.
The funding will continue Chelsea Foundation’s partnerships with Barons Court Project, Vineyard Community and York Road Project, enabling the organisations to build on the impact achieved during the first year of the grants which was provided through the funds raised Chelsea Football Club and Chelsea Foundation’s Wrap Up Warm campaign.
The partnerships will provide vital support to those experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion, as homelessness continues to be a significant and growing issue across local communities, with charities seeing increasing levels of need and demand for their services.
Laura Cordingley, Chief Executive of Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘Homelessness is one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across London and Surrey, and is something we know is affecting people within the communities closest to us.
‘Through our Wrap Up Warm grants, we are able to support organisations that are already making a tangible difference, helping them respond to immediate need while also creating opportunities for people to move towards greater stability and independence. Extending these grants for another year allows us to build on the strong partnerships we have established and continue supporting people who are often among the most vulnerable in our communities.’
‘Without the support and generosity of our club, supporters and partners, the Foundation wouldn’t be able to provide these much-needed grants. It’s brilliant to see the impact that we can have collectively that helps enable the Foundation to provide longer-term support to people who need it most.’
Levi Colwill has seen first-hand the impact of Chelsea Foundation’s vital partnerships. He visited Barons Court Project in 2024 as part of the Wrap Up Warm campaign and returned to Stamford Bridge in 2025 to support the Foundation’s Christmas lunch, bringing together people experiencing loneliness during the festive period including beneficiaries of the three organisations.
Colwill commented on the grants: 'Homelessness is something I’ve always felt really passionate about, so it’s brilliant that Chelsea Foundation is supporting such important work in our local communities. I’ve been lucky enough to see the work of Barons Court Project first-hand and understand the difference organisations like this can make to people’s lives. It’s fantastic that the Foundation is extending its support to Barons Court Project, Vineyard Community and York Road Project, and I’m sure these partnerships will have a significant impact within our community.'
Vineyard Community
Founded in 2011, Richmond-based Vineyard Community supports people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion, helping around 7,000 people each year through a range of crisis and community services. These include homelessness support, casework, foodbank provision and community drop-in services.
The Wrap Up Warm grant will enable Vineyard Community to expand its mental health support and strengthen its holistic services, helping individuals and families improve their circumstances. The funding will also support the launch of a new Community Essentials Hub, due to open later this year, providing people with access to essential items in a dignified and welcoming environment.
David Logan, Vineyard Community & Richmond Foodbank CEO, said: ‘We’re honoured to receive this empowering grant and to partner with such a visionary organisation. This support strengthens our shared commitment to transforming lives, restoring hope, and building brighter futures for those who need it most. Together, we’re bringing our mission of “Help in Crisis, Hope for Life” to life across our communities.’
Barons Court Project
Barons Court Project was established in 1985 by psychiatrists and social workers who recognised a lack of support for people experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges in west London. Today, it is the only dedicated day centre of its kind in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, supporting people who are homeless, on low incomes or vulnerable due to poor mental health.
The Wrap Up Warm grant is helping the organisation progress ambitious plans to improve its centre and create additional space for the people it supports. Building work is getting underway to convert the loft into a purpose-built art studio and group work room, creating a welcoming space where guests can relax, connect with others and rebuild their lives.
Michael Angus, Barons Court Project CEO, commented: ‘The Chelsea Foundation were our first significant funder when we launched an appeal last year to undertake major building works at our centre. We are about to commence those works. The additional grant, awarded for next year, will ensure we can fit out our new spaces beautifully, and ensure we provide the best home for people without one or who may not feel at home within themselves. We remain deeply grateful for their support.’
York Road Project
Founded in 1995 as Woking Winter Watch and registered as a charity in 2001, York Road Project works with people experiencing homelessness to help them secure accommodation and rebuild their lives. Its tailored support addresses a range of challenges, including housing, mental health, addiction and employment.
Alongside emergency accommodation, York Road Project operates a resource centre and move-on housing, providing both immediate support and longer-term pathways towards independence.
The Wrap Up Warm grant is helping the charity provide vital support to people sleeping rough and those rebuilding their lives after homelessness. The funding will enable York Road Project to place a greater focus on mental health, life skills and empowering clients to move towards greater independence, helping people to move beyond simply finding accommodation and towards building a more secure future.
Richard Eyres, York Road Project Fundraising Manager manager said:‘We’re absolutely delighted that the Chelsea Foundation are extending our funding into 2027. The Foundation’s support this last year has been essential as we tackle rising homelessness. We have been able to support our clients in a way that goes far beyond a roof over their head; equipping them to thrive tomorrow, not just to survive today. A client wrote earlier this month that “YRP saved me from homelessness”. This would not have been possible without Chelsea Foundation’s support, and with extended funding we can keep changing people’s lives over the next year.’
The Wrap Up Warm grants form part of Chelsea Foundation’s commitment to creating hyper-local impact and supporting communities across south-west London and Surrey. By working in partnership with organisations already embedded within these communities, the Foundation can help respond to issues where specialist local expertise is essential and where partnership funding can deliver meaningful, long-term impact.