City Gate Lodge

A generous grant of £8,000 from London Freemasons will enable Only A Pavement Away to support more individuals in London who are experiencing homelessness move into roles in the hospitality industry. This grant will enable the charity to place 110 candidates into employment and create over 1,000 learning and career development opportunities.  

Only A Pavement Away is the national charity supporting people to rebuild their lives  through employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. Acting as a bridge between forward-thinking employers and referral partners, the charity provides tailored  learning and development, financial support and job opportunities. 

For example, Paul found a pathway out of homelessness through the Only A Pavement Away employment programme, and now works as a Goods Receiver at The Ivy Asia in Chelsea. He says,“Since Only A Pavement Away helped me back into full time employment, I’ve got money, I am able to pay my bills, buy myself clothing, and have found myself a place to live. My life is very stable and secure now which it had not been for a very long time. With help from the charity, I have gained so much confidence and can finally believe in myself. Best of all I am now able to work with my biggest passion in life… food.”

To date, Only A Pavement Away has placed 818 people into employment contributing an estimated £32 million in economic value and has received over 5,000 engagements with their Learning & Development programmes. 

Greg Mangham, Founder & Voluntary CEO of Only A Pavement Away said: 

“The recent grant from the London Freemasons continues the generous support they and UGLE have provided to Only A Pavement Away since our launch. The support  received to date, both financially and in value-in-kind, truly exemplifies the outstanding work the Freemasons deliver within their communities. We've always been warmly welcomed by London Freemasons and are proud to share aligned values and a common commitment to supporting those facing homelessness. Our members tell us how moving into work has transformed their lives and the lives of their families, and we are grateful for the support of the London Freemasons” 

Will Clayton, London Freemasons said:

“We are very pleased to be able to continue supporting Only A Pavement Away in their continued campaign to support disadvantaged individuals in our community to gain employment.”