For more than 50 years, Nightwatch has empowered and assisted thousands of homeless and otherwise vulnerable people to turn around their lives, from being homeless and unemployed, to having a stable, enriched life.
A core group of trained volunteers meet every night in Queen’s Gardens in central Croydon to assist homeless people. We supply essentials and also act as a first line of contact for homeless people and signpost them to other agencies.
You can donate financially online or send an e-mail to donate to Nightwatch. Cheques can be sent to Nightwatch at PO Box 9576, London, SE23 3ZH.
This year marks a remarkable milestone for Nightwatch as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. For half a century, Nightwatch has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable people in our community, offering practical help, compassion, and a welcoming presence to those who need it most.
Since our founding in 1976, countless volunteers, staff, supporters and partners have played a vital role in helping Nightwatch grow into the trusted service it is today. What began as a local effort to provide support for people experiencing homelessness and hardship has developed into a sustained community response that continues to make a lasting difference to lives across the borough.
Our 50th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the many lives touched by Nightwatch over the years. Through changing social and economic circumstances, our mission has remained the same: to provide support, dignity and hope to people facing challenging situations.
The dedication of our volunteers has been at the heart of everything we do. Their commitment, kindness and generosity of spirit have helped create a service that not only meets practical needs but also builds meaningful human connections.
As we celebrate this milestone, we want to thank everyone who has contributed to Nightwatch’s journey. To mark our 50th anniversary, we are delighted to launch two new videos that showcase the people and purpose behind Nightwatch.
We have the following upcoming events and appeals as we mark our 50th Anniversary. More details via the links:
While we are proud to celebrate our history, we are equally focused on the future. The need for support within our community remains significant, and Nightwatch is committed to continuing its work for many years to come.
As we enter our next chapter, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating this special anniversary by watching and sharing our new videos, learning more about our work, and supporting our mission.
Together, we can continue building a community where everyone who are hungry are fed, those without clothes are clothed and those who need a helping hand are helped. Watch our new anniversary videos and help us celebrate 50 years of Nightwatch.
Nightwatch volunteers are out every night in the centre of Croydon giving food and other help to homeless and other vulnerable people. We can be found every night at 9.30pm in the Queen’s Gardens, by Fell Road.
Our core activity is providing direct support for homeless people and others in need. We help people at every level of homelessness, from the street homeless to those in hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation and vulnerable former homeless people who need continuing support if they are not to become homeless again.
There are no paid staff, and no office premises. Please contact our staff and committee members via our contacts page.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest national honour given to volunteer groups across the UK, often described as the ‘MBE for voluntary organisations.’ It recognises the outstanding work carried out by volunteers who make a significant and lasting difference in their communities. The lifetime award celebrates groups that have the highest standards and whose efforts improve lives and bring people together.
To act as first line contact for homeless people, to signpost them to other agencies.
We do not have accommodation, but can advise people in need from the Queen’s Gardens at 9.30 every night.
The main port of call is the council’s Single Homeless Service which is currently accessible only online: you must first create a Housing Online Account and then contact the Homeless Intervention & Prevention Team at 020 8726 6000 or homeless-intervention@croydon.gov.uk.
Crisis centre is at 13 Surrey Street – 0203 848 1700.
Young people (14-21 year olds) can find help at Croydon Turnaround, 54/55 South End, CRO 1BF – 0208 760 5530.
We are working with partners to re-establish a Floating Shelter in Croydon for the winter months but there is not one at present.
For people sleeping out StreetLink may visit and offer options They will want to visit people at a sleeping place, to prove someone is street homeless. You can report yourself as homeless or seeing someone you see sleeping out at StreetLink: www.thestreetlink.org.uk. 0300 500 0914.
