Annual Report: 1996
West London Initiative on Single Homelessness

THE FUTURE

The Christmas Roof is an important part of the charity's work, and we are looking to extend the provision with several sites across West London in areas with higher homeless populations, such as Acton, Hounslow and Cricklewood.  Our experience is that small sites, with an occupancy of about 80-100 people are much more comfortable and effective than larger sites.

A key concern is health.  Through the Roof we have the opportunity to help by dealing with common medical problems.  We provide good food and the opportunity to relax and forget for a while the pressures of living on the streets.  All these things help to improve our guests' mental and physical health so that, when they return to their former environment, they can deal with their problems a little more easily.

Longer term we aim to make access to medical and dental facilities easier.  To bring about this change it is important that we increase the confidence of our guests to request services to which their entitled.  Equally, there is a need for increased awareness of and respect for homeless people among primary care and Accident & Emergency providers in West London and elsewhere.