Back in March 2020, when everything started to shut down, the Salvation Army's Way Ahead Project in Leamington Spa realised that it had to do something radically different to ensure that it could continue to provide advice and practical support for local people who are homeless or  in poor accommodation.  

We were determined that we would not shut our doors completely - that we would not turn our backs on some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

During lockdown, we provided the local homeless community first with take away breakfasts and then packed lunches.  We helped support, practically and emotionally, 58 rough sleepers and sofa surfers who were provided with temporary accommodation by our local council.  And we kept in touch with our regular drop-in visitors so they did not feel abandoned and isolated when we were not able to welcome them into our building.  

Now, as things ease, we have opened our "Back on Track" pop-up community cafe for people we've helped in the past, new faces who are worried about the financial impact of the pandemic, and members of the local community who want to support us.  Everyone is welcome to come and have a drink and some hot food or a piece of cake (or both!) with our team.

Through "Back on Track", we are once more offering the local homeless community vital emotional support, face-to-face; being inside after many months or even years on the streets, or having your own place after sleeping in your car, on your mate's floor or in your childhood bed, can be overwhelming and isolating.  We continue to provide an essential listening ear and voice of encouragement.  

But we still need your help.  Our costs have increased over the last nine months because we've had to purchase disposable products such as take away cups; food to go in lunch bags and food parcels; and masks, gloves and hand sanitiser to keep our staff, volunteers and guests safe.  And our income has dropped as we have had fewer donations from the general public; fewer donations of surplus stocks from our local supermarkets; and fundraising events have had to be cancelled.  

Whatever you can spare will help the Way Ahead Project keep going and doing what it does best - helping people transform their lives.

The Salvation Army is a Christian Church & registered Charity working in 130 countries worldwide and is one of the largest and most diverse providers of social welfare in the world. In the UK and Republic of Ireland this work includes more than 800 Salvation Army social service centres and community churches. We provide unconditional friendship, support and very practical help to people in crisis and need and work with children, homeless people, all adult victims of modern slavery and those dealing with drug and/or alcohol addiction.