Capital Mass

A gathering for all parishes and churches across London who are involved in hosting and volunteering at Winter Night Shelters, Soup Runs or Homeless Drop-ins.

As the benefit system is radically overhauled, including the introduction of Universal Credit, it is often the most vulnerable, particularly the homeless that can fall through the gaps. Many do not claim what they are entitled to and navigating new systems can be complex and off-putting.

Come and find out “from the horses mouth” what the changes in the benefit system including Universal Credit will mean for those you are hosting, and learn where you can refer people for more help locally. We will learn about local council provision and what homeless guests are entitled to.

We are delighted to have a Dan Fenell, an expert from the DWP who sits within the Rough Sleeper Unit, to talk to us about the provision in the system for those who are homeless/vulnerable to claim benefits, and how local authorities national government areas of responsibilities for benefits are divided up.

We also will be joined by Jon Kurht, formerly CEO of West London Mission and now govt advisor on faith groups responses to homelessness.

We will also have time of questions and discussion about the things you are seeing on the ground with homeless guests.

We look forward to welcoming you as you serve the homeless in your area