WOOLWICH SERVICE USERS PROJECT Humanity in Action in the Community

When you think about homelessness what do you imagine?

A middle-aged man with a bottle of whisky sleeping in a doorway?

It’s a common stereotype, and rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness, but the reality is that it can be anything from sofa surfing with friends and relatives to living in hostels and bed and breakfasts.

What do you think causes homelessness?

You’ve probably heard stories about people losing their homes because of drug or gambling addiction, and women ending up in refuges because they’re escaping abusive relationships. These things certainly happen, but the leading causes of homelessness are rising housing costs, wage stagnation and unemployment. People living in poverty are at the highest risk of homelessness because they’re already in precarious financial positions that make them more vulnerable to the rising cost of living. Trauma and poor health, particularly poor mental health, also increase the likelihood of homelessness.

Still thinking about that middle-aged man sleeping in a doorway? Here are some other things to think about: Young people aged 16–25 are at a higher risk of homelessness because they’re more likely to be affected by low wages, temporary work contracts and rising housing costs. Men and women are at equal risk of homelessness, but women tend to hide from view because of fear of attack.

The impact of homelessness on our community shouldn’t be underestimated. Children who experience it can suffer negative long-term consequences including trauma and stress that can affect their health, education, behaviour and concentration. It’s difficult for homeless people to find and keep employment. These issues affect people’s ability to make economic and social contributions to society. Homelessness leads to an increase in health problems, adding to the burden on the NHS. Communities with high rates of homelessness have more transient populations and people are less likely to take an active part in their neighbourhood.*

Who are we?

At WSUP our doors are open to anyone in our community who needs us. We are a grassroots charity that provides practical and emotional support to those seeking help. We offer essential services including a warm and safe community space where people in need can access hot meals, showers, haircuts, a laundry service and a clothing bank. We support people who are going through, or are at risk of, poverty, homelessness, addiction and any other life challenges.

We connect people with services that can support them with housing, benefits, mental health issues and addiction. We run courses to help people build their mental health and resilience, and our yoga, meditation and art therapy sessions improve the wellbeing of our service users (guests). We advocate for high-quality affordable housing and better access to physical and mental health services.

Thanks to donations from local businesses and the public we’ve recently been able expand our drop-in service, from two, to three days a week. There are exciting new developments in our health offering for our guests. We’ve partnered with First Vision to provide a monthly clinic for sight tests and glasses. Kings College Hospital will be onsite once a month for hepatitis screening and liver function testing. We’ve got plans to introduce a remote GP service in our centre in partnership with Healthwatch Greenwich and local GPs.

“It’s a good wellbeing place for people who are lonely. People can come here and make new friends. If I had to sum up WSUP in a few words they would be: happiness, optimism, encouragement, wellness, inspiration.”

Brenda, WSUP guest

‘When my relationship broke up I had to move out and I had nowhere to go. I ended up on the streets for over a year. I’m in temporary accommodation now. I heard about WSUP through a homeless agency. I’ve been coming for about a year. When doors closed WSUP was a door that opened. I’m comfortable here.”

Glen, WSUP guest

“My own experience of drug addiction and recovery means I can relate to people going though a similar experience with addiction. I’m able to give them a glimmer of hope that change and recovery are truly possible.”

Jas Sahota, WSUP Head of Operations and Community Relations Manager

“I’ve always been passionate about helping people and making a difference. My traumatic experiences and severe anxiety raised my awareness of mental health. Being part of the team at WSUP has reduced my anxiety and helped me gain confidence in myself and my abilities. I feel very proud to be part of the ‘family’.”

Lucy Callaghan, WSUP Business Relations Manager and Deputy Head of Operations