Have you been helped by The Whitechapel Centre? Did we help get you off the streets and into a home? Or advised you on how to prevent becoming homeless? Or supported a member of your family? Or do you volunteer for us? Have worked for us?

The Whitechapel Centre fights to end homelessness but sadly we are 50 this year. Sadly, because we are still needed, five decades later.
Manager Ruth McCaughley said, “We’re not celebrating our 50th birthday - we’ll only celebrate when we’re not needed anymore. However, we can celebrate the impact we’ve made and we’ll be marking our 50th with a series of lovely awareness raising events as we reflect on all the lives we’ve helped transform. So, we’d like to hear from individuals who have been involved with us. Whether it was in the beginning, in the mid 70s, or any time since. We’d love to hear how The Whitechapel Centre supported you, so we can use your stories in various ways throughout 2025.”

If you have a story about how The Whitechapel Centre helped you / your family, or how working or volunteering for us has impacted your life, please fill in the contact form below or email [email protected]. You may want to consider: 
How did The Whitechapel Centre help you? What year was it? What you were going through? What happened and where are you now?

On what is known as Blue Monday – the most depressing day of the year – Dany our Suppawt helper took over social media. Taking Dany on our rounds is a great way of breaking down barriers – people focus on Dany and open up more. Her social media pawsts were so good we thought we’d add them here.

9am: What a pawsome day! As I travelled round meeting people who were sleeping rough, I was thrilled to be stroked. They didn’t want to be photographed but I heard them tell Aunty Fi: “Dogs are the best, they make you feel better.” 

11am: I’m still barking with excitement. While hounding the streets, the people I met, who are sadly experiencing homelessness, were so happy to see me. As they stroked me they were more willing to chat with Fi. They also said, “She’s so lovely, I love seeing her”, “she’s so soft to stroke” and, “This has made my day - thank you.”

1pm: When we went back to a centre I was stroked by a service user who said, “She’s so soft and gentle, she’s very calming” and another said, “I’ve had to have my dog put to sleep, so this is lovely - thank you so much.”

3pm: It’s a dog’s life! Even a cool job like this has paperwork! 

4pm: Well, now it’s time for a pawformance review with Aunty Fi me and my senior manager Sophie… A round of a-paws for Aunty Fi, it all went well!

5pm: All in a day’s work. Helping people feel more confident to chat with Aunty Fi is so rewarding - it’s the leash I can do. Sometimes it’s a ruff day but not today. Time for treats and a rest. Thank you for going on walkies with me today and sorry for the paw-ful puns! Good night!