A WOKINGHAM church is working to address the obstacles that prevent people with addictions from reaching their full potential.
Through weekly collaborative meetings with Wokingham Borough Council, The Salvation Army, Wokingham seeks to address housing challenges, homelessness, and addictions, and is developing solutions to better serve vulnerable individuals in the community.
Church leader Jan Howlin and her team of volunteers provide support and encouragement for those who need it.
They believe everyone has the potential for positive change.
Jan said: “Everyone deserves a place to belong, regardless of their background or current circumstances.
“We recognise that many in our community, including those experiencing homelessness, addiction, or simply feeling isolated, may feel out of step because of the affluence that surrounds them in Wokingham.
“Here, we offer a haven where you can find a listening ear, a warm meal, and a community that truly cares.
“Whether you’re struggling with addiction, facing homelessness, or simply seeking connection, we are here to walk alongside you on your journey.”
The Salvation Army Church works with Wokingham Borough Council and Cranstoun Wokingham, a charity that offers drug and alcohol recovery services for adults, and support for families and carers.
Cranstoun also offers detox and rehab support, and access to mutual aid groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
The church, together with its partners, offers a warm welcome and a helping hand, to support people onto a path to recovery.
Aaron’s story of resilience and transformation is an example of how it is listening, and offering practical solutions to the community’s needs.
Aaron has autism and is battling drug addiction and alcohol use.
Homeless for 17 years, having left home as a teenager after getting into trouble with his parents, he now he says The Salvation Army has contributed to an improvement in his circumstances.
He said: “These guys have given me a sense of belonging.
“Jan, Mariana [community development officer] and all the volunteers here have been good to me, making me feel loved, and it’s this care that has made me rediscover my passion for art and painting.
“From sleeping in the park and back seats of cars, to having my own decent flat in town and having a lot of canvas paintings ready to be sold, I am grateful to the Wokingham Salvation Army.”
The church supports people with their recovery journey from drug or alcohol addictions by following a harm reduction philosophy in its strategy and services, to address not only the addictive behaviour but also the root causes.
This approach enables people using its services to stay as safe as possible until they feel ready to implement the changes they want to make in their lives.
The Salvation Army Hall in Wokingham also hosts an AA group which meets on Fridays at 8pm.
While most attendees are individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, meetings are also open to family members, friends and supporters of those in recovery.
Anyone in need of support for addiction can simply walk into The Salvation Army in Wokingham – no appointment, phone call or email necessary.
For information, visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/wokingham
