About The Connection
The Connection works with thousands of people experiencing homelessness every year, helping them to move away from the streets of London for good. They offer a range of specialist services that empower people to take control of their lives and achieve recovery.
How Do The Connection Help?
| The Connection's Services | Success Stories |
The Connection's Services
Outreach
The street engagement team work throughout the day, providing a practical response to rough sleeping and begging within Westminster. They take to the streets engaging with new individuals, as well as those they already know, helping them to resolve their homelessness through a range of support services. Outreach advisers take the time to build trusting relationships and work with individuals at their own pace.
Emergency Accommodation
The Connection provides free, emergency accommodation for up to 75 people every night of the year. This accommodation keeps people safe whilst they are accessing help and gives people the resources they need to begin their journey away from the streets. During their stay people can eat a warm meal, wash their clothes, shower, watch a film, use the computers and sleep in a warm and safe environment.
Engagement and Assessment
The engagement and assessment team run the day services and are the first point of contact for people entering the building. The team ensures that all clients are assessed, advised and supported to access the services they need to help them achieve their journey to recovery. The day centre also offers practical services including hot meals, showers, laundry services, medical appointments and access to telephones and computers.
Employment Support
The Connection has a team of in-house careers advisers who help people to find out what they want to do and work out the steps required to help them get there. Gaining meaningful employment makes a huge difference to people’s sense of fulfilment and prevents people relapsing to life on the streets. For many people, getting a job and moving into privately rented accommodation is the quickest route out of homelessness.
Housing and Mental Health Support
The Connection’s housing team works very closely with clients to create an action plan to bring an end to their homelessness. Where possible, they help clients into accommodation in their home area, where they already have connections to reduce the risk of isolation. The team also provides mental health support, working with people who are experiencing a whole spectrum of mental distress.
Recovery Programme
The Connection’s recovery programme consists of a whole range of activities that help people to cope with the psychological effects of homelessness. The programme helps people to recognise their own skills, improves confidence and is incredibly important in helping people find a sense of fulfilment. Groups include art, music workshops, gardening and mindfulness to name a few.
Volunteer Programme
The volunteering programme is incredibly important in determining how The Connection delivers their services. Volunteering placements are open to all clients and provide the opportunity to get involved across a whole range of departments. Clients are ‘experts by experience’ and their input is integral to ensuring that all services are as effective as they can be and empower people to work towards an independent life.
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