Star Stories: Sarah Renaut & Southampton Street Angels

This quarter, we are proud to shine a light on Sarah Renaut, recognised as a Star for Stars nominee for her unwavering commitment to supporting homeless people across Southampton and The Waterside through her work with Southampton Street Angels.

While Sarah’s nomination was modest in length, it speaks volumes about the impact of her personal dedication and also highlights the wonderful work of the team around her.

Extraordinary

As part of Southampton Street Angels, Sarah is one of many ordinary people doing something extraordinary – meeting people at their most vulnerable moments with kindness, compassion, and consistency.

The group provides practical support such as food, toiletries and bedding, but just as importantly, they offer emotional support. Sometimes this is a simple conversation over a hot drink on the street; at other times, it’s being there for someone who is struggling, or walking alongside a person determined to move off the streets.

Meaningful

What makes Sarah’s contribution especially meaningful is her commitment to long-term support. When someone moves into accommodation, the relationship doesn’t end. By this point, trust has been built and the person behind the circumstances is truly known.

Needs change once someone is housed, and Sarah and the Street Angels respond on an individual basis, continuing to provide care, encouragement and practical help.

Challenge misconceptions

Education is also central to the work Sarah supports.

Southampton Street Angels actively encourage open conversations about homelessness, mental health and addiction – helping challenge misconceptions and deepen understanding.

Learning is shared both within the group and with the wider community, guided by lived experience and compassion.

Life-changing difference

Sarah’s nomination recognises not only what she does, but how she does it: with empathy, respect and a belief that everyone deserves dignity.

Her star illuminates the whole Southampton Street Angels team and is as a reminder that small acts of care, shown consistently, can make a life-changing difference.

Like to nominate your star or stars?

Put forward your star, or stars, today and help us make Southampton a brighter, kinder place for all. Please nominate them here! Nominations for our current quarter can be made until the end of June 2026.

You can also find out more about the scheme here.

From April 2026, we’ve made a small update to our Stars for Stars nomination guidelines. We ask that individuals don’t nominate themselves, or the organisation or place where they work.

Nominators may remain anonymous, but we do request contact details so nominations can be verified if needed. We warmly encourage service users, friends, family members, supporters and community members to submit nominations – your voices are what make this people-powered and meaningful.

Photo taken with thanks to Tim Kenyon Photography.