Pret Barbican

With the levels of unemployment, along with the number of low-paid employees living in Brent, many residents find themselves at a crisis point. They are unable to feed their families and provide for life’s basic needs. There may, however, be many other challenges within the family, which may contribute to the family crisis. It is bearing this in mind that the Centre of Help and Hope was conceived. The Centre provides the following services: Food bank Clothing hub Befriending service Gardening services Counselling services Light domestic help Vocational skills Intentional parenting courses

We are an active community centre who have been based in the heart of Clerkenwell, London, since 1898. We run a very active social club for adults, a youth club, family activities and a community-based mental health awareness project, Minds Matter Islington. We support local people to put on events, classes and other initiatives, such as the EC1 Echo, Clerkenwell's excellent community newspaper and we develop targeted events and activities in the community. We work closely with Islington Council, other community centres, voluntary organisations and local businesses to deliver a wide range of high quality services. We inform and in-put into local policy, where relevant and appropriate. Our work is guided by the belief that a connected community in Clerkenwell is of the utmost importance. We are really proud to be building a more connected Clerkenwell, one where everyone benefits from living here. We are seeking donations of non-perishable food items, baked goods, fruit & vegetables, ready meals, drinks and snacks.

The Connection is based in the West End and works with people who are rough sleeping to move away from, and stay off, the streets of London. It often starts with a chat, the offer of a coffee and perhaps a hot meal and shower. The chance to use a washing machine or charge a phone. Simple things that aren’t easy when you’re living on the streets. Then it’s about listening to people and building up trust and understanding, so we can work out together what they need next. When you feel let down by the system, and humankind, it’s not always easy to find or accept help. So we stick with people, and find ways to get them what they need. Ultimately, it’s about treating every person as a human being with dignity, so they can find their way off the streets and a place to call home.