The Archer Project at Sheffield Cathedral helps people move on from homelessness

Behind Sheffield Cathedral on Church Street, a charity has been quietly changing lives for more than three decades. The Archer Project was founded in 1989, after a decade of economic decline and rising homelessness in the city, and it remains a place where people experiencing homelessness can change their lives for the better.

Its aim is to help people move away from homelessness by building independence, resilience, confidence and wellbeing. The refurbished rooms behind the cathedral include showers, laundry facilities, computer access, lounge areas and a full kitchen, and there are on-site medical professionals and therapeutic activities. The charity once gave out around 180 free meals a day in the city centre.

Support is organised as a pathway with three stages. Engagement is for people whose lives lack routine and who face repeated crises, with simple, welcoming activities such as coffee, colouring-in, pool and table tennis, plus outreach that meets people on the street.

Stabilisation follows, with the Partnership Programme giving people the chance to volunteer in the centre's kitchen, lounge and stores, Transition Support helping them make new accommodation feel like home, and a Health and Wellbeing Programme. The final stage, Fulfilment, helps people find employment and keep a healthy work-life balance.

The charity relies on donations and volunteers. Upcoming fundraisers include the CEO Sleepout Sheffield on 12 November 2026 and a Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on 2 July 2027. Its Under the Arches articles, including recent pieces on supported employment and on understanding homelessness in Sheffield, help the wider city understand the issues, and its newsletter, The Nest, has now reached its 44th edition.

The Archer Project is a reminder of what a city can do when it looks after its own. Its work is practical, patient and focused on helping people build lives they are proud of.

Anyone who would like to donate, volunteer or take part in a fundraising challenge can find details on The Archer Project website. The charity is based at Sheffield Cathedral, Church Street, Sheffield S1 1HA.