Saturday Friendship Group
Homeless Project

Working in partnership with the Salvation Army's ​
Way Ahead Project [WAP}

We need volunteers! join here

At the Salvation Army’s Way Ahead Project on Christmas Day: Yvonne says: “Lovely day today, 72 meals in 2 sittings and takeaways, thanks to our amazing cooks. I found out today that it’s been 20 years Denyse has been cooking for us. Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who turn up week after week & give selflessly & a huge thanks to all our visitors who have adhered to all the changes & rules without challenging .. I hope you all have an amazing SAFE Christmas & New Year."
Yvonne McKinnon, Project Manager 
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​LATEST NEWS  (December)
How is the Coronavirus crisis affecting us?
​The November lockdown stopped The Way Ahead having people inside, so they had to revert to providing food service at the door, while still providing office support and outreach throughout the day, either by appointment or, if the project workers are free at the time, they will see them there & then. But, now ...

Yvonne McKinnon, Project Manager at the Way Ahead Project writes:
"As lockdown is lifted, although we are in Tier 3, I can imagine you are all wondering what is going on with the WAP.
We will be opening up the 'back on track' cafe again with all safety measures in place. We will be allowing individuals back in and have made sure this is allowed, and it is. [WAP is classified as 'an essential service']
The opening times will be the same - 10:30-12:30 ... if volunteers can arrive before 10 to set up, that would be great."
Volunteers
Can you let Yvonne know if you are OK with this or if you would rather not come in, just so Yvonne can organise. Please use the WhatsApp 'WAP Volunteers Group' on your phone.
         About the sfg
We are (under normal circumstances) -
  • For the homeless – rough sleepers and sofa surfers – and those in poor accommodation, those with addictions or mental health issues  
  • We, the Churches of Catholic Leamington, work in partnership with the Salvation Army’s    'Way Ahead Project’ who have a drop-in centre in Church Street.
  • There people can find food and shelter and warmth, toilet and shower, clothes washing facilities, computers to use, extra activities, training, advice and, above all, friendship.
  • The Way Ahead is the hub for providing advice and assistance in obtaining services from all the other agencies and government provision.
  • They aim to find people accommodation, encourage them to engage in activities, develop self-confidence, help them to obtain work and to cultivate a culture of recovery.
  • Over 100 different people visit every month! There are 20-35 people at the drop-in on any one morning.
  • Saturdays are different!:
  • sfg enables the Way Ahead, open 9.30-11.20 Monday and Wednesday-Friday, to continue its work on Saturday, when there is little other provision. The first 12 to arrive work together to provide themselves with a brunch and there are some additional leisure activities, as well as the usual weekday services, in a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • sfg provides funding and volunteers for Saturday opening.
  • Catholic Leamington is in a Partnership with the Salvation Army to continue this work and sfg is a permanent sub-committee of the Catholic Leamington Parish Pastoral Council.
Interested in volunteering? / donating?
JOIN US!