Tributes have been paid to homeless people who have died in Southampton in the last year at a poignant remembrance service. 

Friends, family members, and representatives from hostels, charities, and Southampton City Council gathered at Saint Mary’s Church on Friday, November 8, to pay their respects to 32 individuals, many of whom did not have the means for a proper funeral.

This is the second time the service has been held at the church. 

Paul Woodman, leader of Southampton City Life Church, said: “It was very special to have this time for friends, family, and those working in homelessness to remember these 32 people.

“We wanted to offer a place for comfort and strength from one another and from the service itself.

“The lighting of 32 candles and the laying of flowers was very moving while the bagpipes played.

“The service also reminded us all of the importance of tackling homelessness in the city.”

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Commemoration service honours people who have died in Southampton at Saint Mary's Church (Image: Supplied) Pam Campbell, one of the organisers of the service, added: “This is our second service to take place in Southampton.

“Following last November’s service, which remembered all those who had died since the pandemic began, it became clear by springtime that we would need to host another service this year.

“Working across various homeless agencies, we have compiled a list of over 30 names that were read aloud during the service, and we shared the life stories of some individuals as part of the ceremony.

“My heartfelt thanks to all the agencies involved in compiling the list.”

The service was open to the broader community, hosted by Saint Mary’s Church as the Bishop of Southampton was amongst the speakers who delivered a message at the special service.

A commemorative booklet was provided by GO! Southampton and donations were received at the service for the work of local homelessness services.

Last year the church Saint Mary’s Church hosted a similar commemoration service which saw attendees honouring 60 homeless people who died in Southampton since 2020.