The Whitechapel Mission has been serving the homeless and marginalised since 1876 – including a day centre, skills training and career advice, activity programmes and specialist support for complex needs. By encouraging each person to address the issues which caused their homelessness, we help them to gain the skills and confidence to make lasting changes in their lives.

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Read what one of our volunteers has to say about supporting the charity;

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It was lovely to finally return to the Whitechapel Mission last weekend after nearly three years of absence due to the Pandemic. I felt a little out of practice, would I remember what to do, and why were we required to be there so much earlier than before?

I needed not to worry, Michelle, Romesh and Charley ran a very organised operation for those locals needing a hot breakfast, a freshen up and some friendly conversation. No longer do the customers pay for the service that we at St Nicholas Church help to support with provisions and donations of clothes. The earlier start of 5.15am meet up at the Church Hall and half hour journey to East London is due to drinks now being served from 6am, and more food preparation time needed for the 8-10am food service. There is a choice of porridge, Full English breakfast, toast, cereal, tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

The time passed very quickly and I made around 150 beverages. Everyone is very friendly and there’s some lovely banter between the workers and customers. You feel you are helping to make someone’s day whether it’s through a smile or giving someone a little or your time. Some customers reciprocate and others do not, but either way you are providing a service to some of the most vulnerable in society and that is rewarding. After 10 o clock we had a short break and cleaned up. We left around 10.45am and were back in Chislehurst at 11.20am.

At the moment the Whitechapel Volunteers could do with some more numbers, if you feel you could volunteer a few hours just 2 or 3 times a year, do get in touch with the Parish Office on 020 8467 0196, or email Alexandra by clicking on the button.

Thank you.

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