The Haven

The Haven is a sanctuary where people with long-term alcohol dependency can live out the end of their lives in independence, safety, comfort and dignity. For most residents, rehabilitation is not a realistic goal, so we provide a family-style home, where alcohol use is tolerated under supervision in a harm minimization regime. Trained and qualified staff offer residents professional support in improving their quality of life. We are a very specialized project dealing with some of the most marginalized individuals in society.

Up to 25 men and women live in the Haven, each with their own room. There are two shared lounges and a landscaped garden, and everything is furnished to a high standard. Care staff are on hand 24 hours a day, and each resident meets with a key worker regularly, working through a personal care plan and developing their own interests. The individuality of each resident, with their different needs and capacities, is central to what we do.

Often residents will have had experience of homelessness and sometimes prison. Many have been suffering from untreated illnesses and injuries and the effects of poor diet. The Haven offers specialist care for people suffering from the mental health conditions associated with chronic alcoholism. Sometimes these things have been compounded by a lack of attention to hygiene and safety. Such experiences in the lives of residents’ can seriously harm their mental and physical well-being. The Haven provides a stable environment and sympathetic support allowing them to make real gains in their health and personal lives.

Residents receive help in developing links with their family or the community, and build helpful relationships within the Haven. They are encouraged to take steps to improve their diet and personal care where necessary. Each resident gets medical attention on first moving into the Haven, and is encouraged to make use of the services available to improve their health. We see people become more at peace with themselves as they accept what has gone before and what the future will hold. 

The Haven is registered under the Care Standards Act 2000 and our inspection reports are consistently positive, our latest rating being ‘Good’. Since late 2008, we have relocated temporarily to upgrade and improve the quality of our care.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Sei Parry
Service Manager,
The Haven (temporary location)
St.Luke’s Centre
25A Wincott Street
London
SE11 4NT

Phone: (020) 3384 1157

Email: haven@wlm.org.uk