Acton Homeless Concern assistance programmes in London

Acton Homeless Concern provides either advice or practical support to over 1000 individuals each day, and the clients will be on a low income. The charity operates from two centres in London and provide a large number of services to the vulnerable, no matter their race or religion. There are refugees and immigrants that use their programmes as well as families living in poverty or the homeless.

As many as 10 different services are provided. If a client needs something that Acton Homeless Concern does not offer, then the volunteers will signpost the person to the programme they need. Everything from a free meal to hygiene items, health check ups from a GP or advice on housing is provided along with other services.

The Emmaus House offers more programmes then the other location. The drop in centre is open seven days per week for several hours per day. Individuals that use it include English, African, Chinese, newly arrived Irish, Asians, and many others. The services offered can change, but they can include the following.

Two days per month health care schemes are provided. These are mostly for the homeless or those from London that are outside of the social safety nets that the government has. On the last Friday of each month, a GP drops in as well as a Chiropodist. Also, eye care is arranged by Acton Homeless too. One day per month an Optician stops in to provide help on vision, glasses, or other eye care needs. If and when needed, dentists also provide help.

The Acton Homeless Concern Emmaus House serves free meals or food five days per week as well. This will be a lunch meal, and it takes place Tuesday to Friday. On some weeks there will also be food served by the volunteers on Sunday or Monday. Not only will a meal be provided with no questions asked, but the vulnerable can also learn about the other programmes available to them, such as vouchers from local food banks.

Hygiene needs are met by allowing access to showers (five days per week) as well as a hairdresser that stops in two times per month. The client can be giving supplies, such as free soap, that they need to stay clean.

Clothing is passed out on Wednesday and Thursday. There are items for people of all ages and sizes, including men, women, and children. This distribution takes place at the Acton Homeless Concern Emmaus House in London. If someone needs food or a meal while picking up clothing, that can be provided too.

Housing and homeless advice is provided from Acton Homeless Concern volunteers. The team at the agency can signpost the client to shelters or hostels in London. They also have information on government housing schemes.

More life skills type programmes are provided at the Damien Centre. This ranges from computer and IT classes to writing or arts. The main benefit from this is that the client can gain new skills from them which may help the person find or keep a job in the future. The classes are held at different times, but the Damien Centre location of Acton Homeless Concern is open Monday to Friday until 6:00 pm.

For more information on the programmes, call 020 8992 5768 to reach the Emmaus House at 1 Berrymead Gardens, London or Damien Centre at 020 8993 6096.