swiMIPIM for Streets of London – Latest

swiMIPIM for Streets of London

On Wednesday 13th of March, Elliott Wood and dMFK Architects are getting back into the swim of things, co-hosting the second annual charity swim across the MIPIM bay in Cannes for UK charity Streets of London.

Homeless people are some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded people in our society. The UK is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, London one of the most affluent cities - no one should be spending night after night sleeping on the street here. And yet, on any given night, there are more than 1,000 people sleeping rough on the streets of London, with many more in hostels or other temporary accommodation. It could happen to any of us.

Streets of London are currently funding ten projects across the capital. These initiatives give homeless people with the specialist support they need to get off the streets and make a fresh start. They provide a variety of support, ranging from catering for people’s immediate needs (such as food, a hot shower, laundry, medical facilities, emergency accommodation) to more long term and in-depth support to address specific needs like employability. The key goal is to help vulnerable people build their skills and rebuild their confidence.

As engineers and architects, we feel a responsibility for how the built environment is lived in, and not just its structures and design. For us, engineering a better society goes beyond our projects, ensuring the people who use our cities, streets and buildings are safe and thriving. By working together, we can make a real difference and help support those who are struggling to get off the streets for good.

Twenty-four brave people have signed up so far to swim across the cold waters of the Cannes bay, from the London stand to the eastern end of La Croisette, and back.

If you’re interested in any of the remaining spaces or would like to make a donation, please go to our fundraising page. For any questions, get in touch with us at marketing@elliottwood.co.uk