West London Day Centre (WLDC)

West London Day Centre is the most important resource for homeless people, and those at risk of homelessness, in North Westminster. It has offered vital sanctuary and resources to people in such situations for over 30 years. We see an average of 80 clients a day, some just dropping in, some being referred to us. These sessions aim to meet both the immediate day-to-day needs of homeless people, and to address underlying, complex issues over a longer term. Over the course of a year the centre receives approximately 15,000 visits and supports 1,500 people.

The centre, in Seymour Place, Marylebone, has a canteen, laundry, shower and washing facilities. We also provide clothing, health clinics, postal services and a place to store luggage. These things are fundamental to restoring and maintaining the dignity of people who have been living on the street or in precarious accommodation, and do not have access to the basics of human care. The centre is a place where people who are sleeping rough can enjoy social contact, and acts as a safety net for those who are not well enough to use other resources.

However, over 70% of visitors to the centre go beyond these basic services, and receive more long-term help in moving on from their vulnerable and unstable situations. We provide specialist support in the areas of health, counselling, substance misuse, welfare benefits, re-housing, tenancy sustainment and job skills. We offer the opportunity for in-depth interaction through our advice service, case-work and groupwork.

By building on the benefits of the initial contact work of the centre, we develop relationships that make lasting changes in people’s lives, allowing them to move towards greater independence.

The Day Centre has invaluable links with other organisations, providing specialist care and training in many fields. Westminster Primary Care Trust provides a range of health clinics on site led by a team of nurses with visiting GPs, podiatrist and counsellor. The City of Westminster College offers clients an excellent construction skills course and computer training both held on-site. Our computer suite was furnished by computers that were donated to us by John Lewis, Oxford Street, who also hugely improved our premises through their Charity of the Year programme. Visiting professionals from the areas of mental health, welfare benefits and substance misuse greatly enhance the range of services offered.

While the staff of the Day Centre offer care with a spiritual dimension as well as practical help, the West London Mission provides a complementary chaplaincy service. Rev. Leão Neto comes regularly for pastoral visits, offering discussion and reflection in groups and individually. Clients can also book to see the chaplain at other times. We have services at Christmas and Easter, and for other special occasions, such as remembrance services.

The Day Centre is professionally run and regulated, but depends on voluntary giving. Whilst we receive some vital funding from statutory sources, our single largest donor is the Methodist West London Mission. All money given to the centre goes straight to our work with homeless people. Of all our social work projects, the day centre most needs your support.

To make a regular or one-off gift please contact Brian O’Shea on 020 7569 5915, email: Brian.OShea@wlm.org.uk

CONTACT:
John Deacon
Service Manager
020 7569 5917