City of Southampton Award
We are now in our 23rd year of the prestigious City of Southampton Awards. The Award Scheme was set up to recognise individuals or organisations who have given particular service to the City.
2025 Award Winner – Trevor Pickup
Trevor has been a beacon of hope for people who are homeless in Southampton and beyond for over 30 years. Since taking the helm at The Society of St James in 1992, he has transformed the organisation from a charity housing around 64 people into a comprehensive network of support services, significantly impacting the lives of thousands within the area and expanding The Society of St James’ bedspaces for people who are homeless from 64 to 520.
Trevor's achievements extend far beyond impressive statistics. He has demonstrably improved the lives of countless individuals in Southampton and beyond by initiating numerous innovative projects recognised nationally as well as locally.
Trevor went on to set up the first of three specialist IOM houses in 2011. These houses are designed to offer drug and alcohol-free supported housing, linking some of the highest risk offenders into positive activities and away from crime. These houses have a unique partnership approach with the police and substance misuse services and has become a very affordable and successful housing model that is still growing, with the fourth house opening in Hampshire early in 2024.
In 2000, under Trevor’s leadership, the first 'wet-house' opened where people were allowed to drink in their accommodation. Then in 2006 Society of St. James bought their first care home, building on the model of 'managed-drinking' that had been developed in those few years. St James Care quickly developed a reputation of being able to meet the needs of a client group who were otherwise difficult to place. Referrals from Kent, London, Cambridge, Oxford and Gloucester demonstrated that we were now a regional centre of excellence and in 2020 they purchased a second care home and increased the registered care beds to 38 but with a still increasing waiting list.
Trevor Pickup's impact cannot be fully captured in numbers or awards. It is measured in the transformed lives of countless individuals in Southampton and beyond who have found stability, hope, and a path forward thanks to his tireless dedication and innovative leadership. He has earned the respect and admiration of not only those he serves but also local authorities, partner organisations, and fellow professionals in the field.
Make a nomination for the City of Southampton Award
Nomination form for City of Southampton Award
