Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


Prime Minister award for Martin 


A member of a Baptist church who founded a website that connects homeless people with food and shelter has been honoured by the Prime Minister

 
Martin StoneOn Monday this week (20 August) Martin Stone of Muswell Hill Baptist Church received the daily Points of Light award, which the Prime Minister’s Office uses to recognise outstanding individual volunteers.
 
Martin received the award for his work on Next Meal, an innovative website that uses GPS technology to help direct homeless people to places where they can access food and support on a 24-hour basis.
 
Martin was inspired by seeing technology at bus-stops showing when to expect the next service to develop a similar service that could benefit homeless people. The Next Meal website is designed to use GPS to help people find their nearest place of support and is easily accessible on mobile phones.

Since its launch, Next Meal is now helping more than 40 rough sleepers a day in London and has connected with over 120 community support centres. It also recently launched in Plymouth.  
 
Another feature of Next Meal is Next Meal cards, which can be given instead of money to homeless people who are begging.

Martin is the director of Muswell Hill Soup Kitchen, which is based at the Baptist church, and said he was ‘very surprised, thrilled and humbled by this award’.

‘I just had a simple idea and, with the help of others, turned it into a reality,’ he explained. ‘I encourage everyone wherever they are, and what circumstances they are in, to just go out and enjoy doing the same.

‘There are so many kind people in so many organisations offering so much help to the most vulnerable homeless people.  I have been fortunate to work with many of them through the Muswell Hill Churches Soup Kitchen.

Next Meal

‘Next Meal has grown out of that, and tries to use technology in the most efficient way possible to link people in need with the wonderful local provision available all round the country. I am delighted that so early in its development, my work in ‘Next Meal, which is in fact the work of many, has been recognised as a Point of Light.

'This award has inspired us all in our efforts to help our disadvantaged homeless to access the support that might enable them to turn their lives around.’

In a personal letter to Martin, Prime Minister Theresa May said, ‘Your work to connect people sleeping rough with nearby support is helping some of the most vulnerable members of our society access the help they need to get back on their feet.’

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey & Wood Green said, ‘I’m delighted that Martin Stone is receiving this award for his innovative Next Meal website. The rise in rough sleepers is a stain on our society and too many vulnerable people are slipping through the cracks, struggling to access the support they need. 

‘Next Meal is a practical response to the human stories behind the statistics and, thanks to Martin’s work, it’s helping homeless people across London every day.’

Next Meal is currently available in London and Plymouth. Martin is working to extend its reach in other towns and cities. Visit nextmeal.co.uk.
 

Baptist Times, 20/08/2018
    Post     Tweet
Related Articles
LBA Home Mission Stories
Examples of how Home Mission funds are being used in the London Baptist Association
SubArticleD2019
Fit for mission? 
Albany Park Baptist Church in London is offering a ministry of community fitness and is investing in leadership as this outreach develops
Faith leaders gather in solidarity event for social justice
More than 150 leaders from faith communities across London gathered at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church as part of a powerful demonstration of unity and a shared commitment to social change
'Bringing the community together to work as one so our young people can thrive and be safe' 
Romford Baptist Church hosted a knife crime summit following a rise in violent crime in the area
Prayer walk for Gaza in South and East London 
On Maundy Thursday a group of Christians, including several Baptists, will be undertaking a pilgrimage in prayerful solidarity with the people of Gaza
Baptist minister signs Nelson Mandela tribute book  
The Revd Dr Simon Woodman, Minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in London, has become the first Baptist to sign the House of Commons Book of Tribute to Nelson Mandela
'His work epitomises what it means to give back to your community and inspire change'
Baptist minister Dave Mann who founded a community association more than 25 years ago has received a prestigious award from his local council
     Regional News 
    Posted: 19/06/2024
    Posted: 04/11/2020
    Posted: 22/09/2020
    Posted: 22/09/2020
    Posted: 22/09/2020
    Posted: 03/01/2020
    Posted: 27/11/2019
    Posted: 18/10/2018
    Posted: 25/05/2018