social work

The Social Work Ministry of the West London Mission works professionally with people who are homeless, misusing drugs or alcohol, or in trouble with the law.

It has a long-standing reputation for the quality and effectiveness of its work. It undertakes this work to meet human need, particularly where there are gaps in state provision. And although not overtly Christian to its users, it is for us a Christian witness, for God meets and challenges us in those in need.

The Mission seeks to ‘travel light’, responding to changing needs and circumstances, but always delivering the best possible care. It wishes to use its experience to inform and if necessary alert those in power to the needs of the very vulnerable in London.

The offices of the Mission are at 19 Thayer Street, London W1U 2QJ. The administrative and financial services are based there, with the Director of Social Work, Paul Thompson.

A SAFE SPACE AWAY FROM THE STREETS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS OR VULNERABLY HOUSED: THE WEST LONDON DAY CENTRE

The West London Day Centre offers a drop-in, meeting basic needs for food, clothing, showers, laundry and medical care. It also provides specialist support in the areas necessary to help clients move on from their vulnerable situations: mental health, substance misuse, benefits, rehousing, tenancy sustainment and job and craft skills.

The Day Centre, in Seymour Place, Marylebone, is run by a small staff team supported by volunteers. In a friendly and welcoming environment they seek to help each person find their own route away from the streets, and to support them in the process of change.

Around 90 people use the Day Centre every day: in the past year some 1600 have come through its doors.

The West London Day Centre relies heavily on public support. For information about how you could help, please contact Jill Harris on 020 7569 5915, email JillHarrisWLM@aol.com

HOMELESS CRIMINAL JUSTICE TEAM: HARRT

HARRT works with rough sleepers in Westminster who have been arrested for social nuisance offences, advising and supporting them and linking them with other agencies as appropriate.

HARRT bridges the gap between social care agencies and the police and other enforcement agencies, giving this group of high-risk high-support people the help they need to remain within the social care system rather than disengage entirely. It responds to each as an individual, and currently works with a client list of around 50.

ACCOMMODATION FOR PEOPLE FORMERLY SLEEPING ROUGH: BIG HOUSE

Big House has 10 studio flats and some communal areas, and the three staff assist the residents to regain skills needed for living under a roof and to prepare them for future accommodation and employment. Residents stay for approximately six months.

The premises were converted by the West London Mission from part of a student hostel at Walworth Road Methodist Church in Southwark, through a partnership between the Mission, the local Church, the Housing Corporation, the Housing Industry’s Charity CRASH, and, significantly, Abbot Mead Vickers, a leading international advertising firm.

Big House was officially opened by Prince Charles in October 2002.

HOSTEL FOR 'MANAGED DRINKING': THE HAVEN

The Haven is a hostel for heavy, addicted drinkers. It regulates drinking and behaviour. It provides both a refuge and a hospice for the 20 residents. Each have their own room and are provided with full board.

Each has a member of staff as a key worker to enable them towards small improvements in what have usually been very chaotic lives. The Haven is in Finsbury Park.

RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION IN THE COMMUNITY: KPH

KPH (Katherine Price Hughes House) is a Home Office approved premises, working with people or have left prison on parole or are doing residential community rehabilitation. The work is highly regulated, with curfews in place each evening and twice-daily checks on each resident. The emphasis combines reducing re-offending with protecting the public.