Acton Homeless Concern
London, UK
When people walk into our two centres it's often because poverty, social exclusion and marginalisation has left them nowhere else to go. The principal objectives of the charity are: Provide an open-door facility that welcomes people in need without any requirements for payment or the provision of personal information ensuring that anyone can benefit from the charity’s services and feel that their privacy is respected and that they are safe. They might be sleeping rough, or have been evicted, or are sofa surfing or are just hungry. By offering them a free hot meal and a kind word without any judgment, we can set them on a path to getting help from us or other agencies. It might be as simple as food, a shower and a change of clothes to begin with. We can also help them with other needs, like seeing a doctor or a lawyer, advice on housing or benefits, general health services, counselling and referral services to help with alcohol and drug dependencies. Most of all, in a society that mostly shuns the destitute, we offer human contact and warmth to the lonely and desperate people who come to us. The following extracts are copied directly from our most recent annual report year end 31st March 2025. Link to full report https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1058819/accounts-and-annual-returns?_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_organisationNumber=1058819 The following services are provided for our clients from two centres on five days each week from 8 AM to 6 PM At Emmaus House Hot lunch at midday 41,000 for year Distribution of clothing 3250 requests for year - 12000 items clothing and 230 household items Hot showers and hairdressing facilities 550 for year (showers not available for part of year) Health checks and testing (Regular checks for HIV, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, High Blood pressure) Provided by partners. 250 for year Mailbox facility Exclusive Women's and Children’ day once a week 1702 visit for year Access to Optician and Dentist on request Guidance and crisis counselling (provided by staff): 818 for year including 420 Rough Sleepers Advice and advocacy on housing issues Advice on emergency hostel accommodation Alcohol and drug counselling Benefits advice and assistance with online application and appeals. At The Damien Centre Breakfast and tea, coffee and sandwiches throughout the day Opportunity to socialise and interact with peers, volunteers and staff. A safe environment to rest and relax throughout the day. Advice and referral to Emmaus House services when required. Alcohol and drug counselling clinic providing access to advice and counselling on an informal basis (provided by partners) 15174 visit for year (meals and drinks provided) Founded in 1989. All of our services are free and always have been. Emmaus House 1 Berrymead Gardens London W3 8AA The Damien Centre 3-5 Church Road London W3 8PU
What we've received

