At Newsteer, we believe that creating better places extends far beyond the built environment – it includes supporting the people and communities who call those places home. This year, we are proud to support The Magpie Project, a remarkable organisation working alongside mothers and preschool children who are homeless or living with the constant risk of homelessness.

The families who come to The Magpie Project are often among the most vulnerable in society. Many are moved repeatedly, navigating a bewildering system of housing, health services, immigration processes and the Home Office. For many mothers, English is a second or even third language, and without support, their young children – babies and toddlers in a crucial stage of development – risk becoming lost within the system.

A place of belonging, safety and practical support

At the heart of The Magpie Project is a simple but powerful idea: families thrive when they feel safe, welcomed and seen. In their location in Memorial Park near West Ham station, the project offers a warm, child-focused space that aims to feel closer to a five-star welcome than a frontline service.

A typical day might include:

• A cup of tea, a listening ear and a place to breathe
• Stay-and-play sessions where children can relax and develop
• Access to nappies, clothing and essentials through the baby bank
• Workshops on everything from housing rights and dental health, to DIY, crafting and confidence-building
• SEN breakout sessions for children who need tailored support
• Walks, community activities and even singalongs

Everything is designed around the needs of mums and very young children. Food is central. Safety is central. Belonging comes first, and everything else grows from there.

Advocacy, dignity and long-term change

The Magpie Project is not just a place to drop in – it is a force for systemic change. Their mother-led Steering Committee helps shape the service. Their campaign groups have taken evidence to Parliament, met local mayors and even engaged with the Special Envoy to the European Court of Human Rights. One of their most powerful recent campaigns aims to ensure no child grows up in temporary housing without a kitchen.

The project also works with law firms and experts to help families navigate form filling, immigration advice and housing issues – ensuring families can stabilise and eventually graduate into safer, more secure futures.

In the past year alone, the team supported over 540 families, with 7–8 new families arriving every week.

Christmas at The Magpie Project

Christmas is one of the busiest and most emotional moments in the Magpie calendar. They lead a huge community operation including:

• two festive giveaway days supporting around 250 families
• a present for every child and mother
• handmade stockings and brand-new books with support from Newham Bookshop
• Christmas food hampers so families can enjoy a proper celebration
• warm socks, pyjamas and winter essentials
• a magical grotto experience with “Mother Christmas”
• a partnership with Westfield’s Giving Tree

It’s a moment of joy at a time that can otherwise be filled with uncertainty.

How businesses can support

As demand rises, the Magpie Project is exploring new possibilities, including a permanent clothing shop to replace their six-weekly clothes club, and expanded spaces for play, advice and community building. Businesses can support through:

• donations or fundraising
• volunteering programmes
• sponsorship of workshops, equipment or clothing
• pro bono expertise (legal, planning, strategy, finance)
• corporate partnerships for seasonal campaigns

Why Newsteer is proud to help

Our work often focuses on unlocking development potential, but the heart of that work is people. Supporting The Magpie Project reflects our commitment to shaping places where families can thrive and where the most vulnerable are not left behind.

We are honoured to play a small part in helping the team deliver dignity, stability and hope to families navigating extraordinary challenges.

From all of us at Newsteer, we wish The Magpie Project and the families they serve a warm and supportive festive season.

Find out more about The Magpie Project.