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?
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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! Christmas is coming…but not everyone will enjoy a fun family celebration with games around the fire. As winter sets in, for some people this will be their first year without a home. ![]() The Whitechapel Centre is working to help all those without a home in the Liverpool region, from prevention to food packages, to supported accommodation, to outreach for people rough sleeping, and much more. We’re here for people who are homeless this Christmas, as we are throughout the year.
For Steve* it was a combination of many of these. He’s 22 now. He was sleeping rough as he faced mental health issues including PTSD, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and ADHD. Unsurprisingly he turned to drugs. Overwhelmed A Whitechapel Centre staff member, Jason*, began working with Steve, who longed to reduce his drug use, move to independent accommodation, and access the benefits he was entitled to. He was housed in a hostel but felt overwhelmed and his drug use spiralled. Jason offered practical support with Universal Credit and PIP applications, which were successful and provided financial stability. Jason said, “This practical assistance built trust. I was there whenever he needed someone to talk to.” Growing confidence As Steve had a passion for exercise, Jason suggested they go to the gym together. Jason explained, “Although progress was slow at first, he eventually began to enjoy the workouts. As we attended more regularly, Steve became encouraging and motivating, not only for himself but for me, showcasing his natural talent for supporting others. This was a key moment, as it helped him rediscover a sense of purpose and achievement. We started to meet our fitness goals together. As his confidence grew he started to invest more time and energy in this pursuit. He saved his money to spend on gym classes, and equipment. During this period his substance use decreased significantly.” Steve continued cutting back on the drugs but realised they were too easily accessible and so wanted to move to his own flat. Jason took Steve to sign up for a course at a local sports organisation, which helps young people gain work and life skills, and provides free programmes including daily sports activities, mentoring, and qualifications like Maths and English. When Steve completed the course, he was offered the opportunity to pursue a personal training qualification, which he jumped at. From surviving to thriving Steve eventually moved into his own flat, started budgeting effectively, and now manages his finances well. He no longer uses drugs. Jason added, “His newfound stability allowed him to thrive, both personally and socially. He’s now dating and enjoys attending concerts and spending time with friends. He even took up playing an instrument again, and his performances reflect his growing confidence and enjoyment of life. He now prioritises his well-being above everything else and is in the process of completing his personal training course.” Our street outreach team visit those who are sleeping rough every day and we get over 2,000 calls a month to our phone hotline Always Help Available. If you see someone sleeping rough in Liverpool you can call 0300 123 2041 so we can follow up.
If you would like to help those in Merseyside facing Christmas without a home, please take part in our Christmas appeal, you could help buy Christmas dinner and a gift (£25), donate goods or support in other ways. *Both names changed to protect identities Children & Young Persons Project is secured thanks to support from the Steve Morgan Foundation13/9/2023 The Whitechapel Centre is delighted to announce it has secured 3 year funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation for our Children & Young Persons Project. The project complements the housing support we provide to homeless families by focusing on the well-being of children who experience homelessness. It will primarily work with children whose families are supported through the Belvidere Family Centre, Yates Court and Resettlement Service. Clair Smith, manager at Yates Court family centre said, “We are so pleased that we are able to provide this extra support which is targeted at the children. Becoming homeless is difficult at any age but for children and young people it is particularly scary and confusing. The disruption to schooling, friendships and family life can have a huge and long-lasting impact so it’s vital that we can address it as soon as possible. We’re really grateful to the Steve Morgan Foundation for their support.” Children who experience homelessness can be at risk of low self-esteem, low confidence, anxiety and mental health problems as a result of homelessness or the events which led to homelessness. A child's performance at school can be affected by unrecognised or unmet educational needs, lost learning time, worry and insecurity making it harder for children to commit their full attention. The project offers additional support to children to mitigate the risk of these issues arising and to provide a route back to stability where they do arise. The focus will be education and development, health and well-being and connecting families into the local community to access leisure and cultural events. Our experienced worker will identify the young person’s support needs and agree a plan. She will access the appropriate help, facilitating access to mainstream services and advocating for specialist provision. Alongside this we will offer a range of therapeutic activities for the children and young people; an opportunity to engage in fun, meaningful activities that will help enhance social engagement and improve self-confidence, health and well-being. Our regular activities include weekly yoga, mindfulness, drama and music sessions, story-time and a homework club. Liam Eaglestone, CEO of the Steve Morgan Foundation said: "Education and wellbeing of children and young people of the Liverpool area are matters close to our hearts at the Steve Morgan Foundation, especially when this is compounded by issues around homelessness. We are delighted to be working with The Whitechapel Centre and provide the essential funding needed to allow them to deliver their vital support through the Children and Young Persons Project.”
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