M&S Foyleside

The homeless men of the NWMM in consultation with staff have requested a Social hub were they can access the internet social media explore job opportunities and complete Curriculum Vitae's. The space will include coffee making facilities soft seating a breakfast bar, shared social entertainment systems i.e. music system XBOX TV Printers Computers Broadband access. The available space within the hostel is 20ft square approximately. The residents wish to paint the room have it carpeted and furnished with a range chairs etc which they have chosen The North West Methodist Mission were fortunate to be part of the M&S Charity of the Year programme 2016/17. Our organisation has been part of our community for over 80 years, supporting homeless males in finding accommodation and resettling them back into the community. If you are interested in getting involved with fundraising, please get in touch.

Damien House is a dedicated crisis intervention and accommodation project that provides essential short-term housing to individuals impacted by addiction who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Acknowledging the profound trauma that often underlies addiction and homelessness, our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, ensuring that those who access our services are met with dignity, respect, and an understanding of their lived experiences. We provide 24/7 emergency accommodation to individuals who find themselves: • Sleeping rough on the streets • At imminent risk of homelessness due to an alcohol-related crisis • Under investigation by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) for homelessness status At Damien House, we believe in fostering an environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. By reducing the stigma associated with addiction and homelessness, we strive to create a space of healing, recovery, and renewed hope for those who need it most. Many of those who access Damien House experience severe deterioration in their physical and mental health due to prolonged alcohol dependency. We acknowledge that addiction is not a choice but often a response to deep-seated trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and systemic disadvantages. Our approach prioritises harm reduction, aiming to lessen the negative health, social, and economic impacts of alcohol use on individuals, their families, and the wider community. Our staff team are trained to offer immediate stabilisation, safety, and reassurance. By creating a secure and supportive environment, we aim to reduce the immediate risks associated with street homelessness and the health implications of alcohol dependency. Individuals often come to Damien House through interventions by The Street Outreach Team and various statutory services. Given the complexity of their needs, we employ a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed approach that emphasises collaboration with: • Statutory and voluntary sector providers • Health and social care specialists • Addiction treatment services • Mental health professionals Our team works closely with these partners to ensure a coordinated care and support pathway, linking individuals to mainstream or specialised services that address both immediate and long-term needs. This integration helps mitigate further trauma and fosters trust in systems that may have previously failed them. Damien House serves as a stepping stone toward more stable and appropriate housing solutions. Through focused housing support, we assist individuals in navigating the transition from crisis accommodation to long-term housing. This process is designed to be person-centred, recognising each individual’s unique journey, strengths, and aspirations. Through our approach, we aim to break the cycle of homelessness and addiction, offering a compassionate, structured, and supportive pathway.

Cornerstone City Church has set up the Hope Centre over the last two years. We have a food bank and were serving our city at this time. The Hope Centre encapsulates our food bank, clothing bank, social supermarket, pregnancy support centre, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) money centre, shower and laundry facilities, and a drop in centre. The Food Bank at The Hope Centre currently operates on 3 phases; Phase 1 - Rescue - This is our emergency crisis response. Anyone can avail of an emergency food parcel, including toiletries and clothing. They can claim this 3 times before they are offered access to the second phase. Users are able to self refer at this stage, or be referred through an agency Phase 2 - Renew - Following on from Rescue, users are given access to our social supermarket, our online learning platform, and cookery course. This phase is aimed at restoring independence and structure to the lives of the individuals. Through this time, users meet with our engagement team to ascertain how we can best support them. Practically, this looks like help with job applications, advice on benefits, or something just an ear to chat. This programme runs for 6 months, and each user must complete a money management course during this time to address any financial root issues. Phase 3 - Restore - Following on from Rescue, this phase is aimed at getting users back to full independence. We have not yet launched this phase, but our heart is to partner with local businesses in our city to offer employment opportunities. Our Pregnancy Support Centre has recently been launched in partnership with LifeNI to provide practical and emotional support to those in a place of crisis regarding pregnancy. This could be pre or post birth, post abortion, infertility, support for loss, or at any stage of pregnancy. We are able to offer donations of essentials to new parents such as highchairs, baby seats, moses baskets, as well as essentials such as nappies, soothers, etc.