Lighting a way out of homelessness
ONE OF THE CITY ’ S leading homelessness charities , Winchester Churches Nightshelter , is proud to be launching under a new name which will better reflect the life-changing support it gives to people .
Winchester Churches Nightshelter ( WCNS ) has been supporting people experiencing homelessness since 1988 . In that time , the charity has helped thousands of people to rebuild their lives and escape homelessness .
“ Our charity was founded by Churches Together more than 30 years ago ,” explained Michèle Price , chief executive . “ We were open just in the winter months and used whatever buildings were available . It was how you might imagine a traditional nightshelter , lots of temporary beds in one room .”
Since those early days , the charity has transformed with a growing understanding of the needs of those it helps . Moving into a building on Jewry Street in 1995 provided a permanent base and the opportunity to operate all year round . Support workers were recruited to help residents tackle the challenges they faced and to guide them in planning a path forward .
“ Finding shelter and safety is often just one small part of the problem ,” said Michèle . “ We don ’ t simply want to apply a plaster to the wound and send our residents on their way . In order to help our residents to escape homelessness for good , we need to provide the support to deal with the trauma they have faced .”
During their stay , each resident is able to access tailored support guided by regular one-to-one meetings with one of the charity ’ s support workers . This personcentred approach recognises
ABOVE : Michèle Price , chief executive .
the resident ’ s unique set of circumstances and helps them to define and achieve individual goals . The extensive list of support includes counselling , psychotherapy , peer mentoring , employment advice , tenancy training , budgeting skills , recreational activities and more .
Every resident has the opportunity to create a new beginning and escape homelessness , however this unique hub of help was hidden by its name .
Michèle continued : “ Over the years it has become clear that for many of our residents , coming to a ‘ nightshelter ’ has stigma and shame attached to it . Many also fear the environment that they might find inside which can be a barrier to them seeking help from us . For a long time we have been more than our name suggests , even more so since the pandemic when we adapted to being open 24 hours a day , a change we are making permanent .”
After consultation with residents , staff and volunteers , a new name has been chosen – The Winchester Beacon .
“ We are a guiding light in
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