We are so much more than just a place to stay – our services enable people to break the cycle of homelessness for good and rebuild their lives. In addition to a warm bed and nutritious food, we also provide a wide-ranging programme of support to help residents find more permanent accommodation, work through any problems which may have contributed to their homelessness and also prepare them for independent living when they are ready to move on from The Winchester Beacon.
Our programme of support on offer to each resident includes:
- Support staff who provide one-to-one help, advocacy and support with housing, employment, personal finance and other essential needs on a weekly basis
- Weekly wellbeing and coping sessions, and a confidential free counselling and psychotherapy service
- Access to Citizens Advice service offering advice on legal and debt issues
- Support with finances and budgeting, plus help with benefit claims
- Support accessing training and volunteer work placement schemes with local businesses to help improve employment prospects
- Opportunities to develop independent living skills, including tenancy and first aid training
- Access to drug and alcohol advisory services and support
- Peer mentoring
- Cookery and nutrition sessions
- Activities and support including hairdressing, gym membership, IT and computer support, CV skills and social outings.
Our services are available to all adults who are homeless irrespective of gender, colour, race or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion/beliefs, marital or civil partnership status, age or pregnancy/maternity.
We encourage our residents to engage with our core support services, and they can choose as much additional support as they feel they need, based on their strengths and circumstances. We will also signpost to other relevant local support services where appropriate.