Founded in 1970 by Alan Webster, then the Dean of Norwich Cathedral, St Martins was created to provide housing, support and care to the most vulnerable people in Norwich.

St Martins embrace the ethos of ‘more than a home for the homeless’ by enhancing understanding and compassion towards homeless people, and maximising independent living to prevent homelessness in the local community.

St Martins recognise that people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, need a wide variety of support that goes beyond just having a bed for the night.

To support staff during the cost-of-living crisis, St Martins adhered to the NJC scales and implemented the agreed 2023 annual increase of £1925. For some employees, this amounted to a 9% salary increase – and a minimum increase of 7% across the board.

St Martins also provided staff with access to PerkBox, an online app that offers discounted services and goods, as well as paying for each employee to have a Blue Light Card, which offers discounts on everyday purchases such as groceries, clothing and restaurants.

Staff wellbeing is a priority at St Martins. To further help support employees, a ‘kitchen cupboard’ initiative was created where gift vouchers for local supermarkets were purchased and placed in the cupboards, allowing team members to come and take a voucher if additional financial support was required. These vouchers could be taken anonymously, protecting the employees’ privacy.