The Margins Project began in 1995 in direct response to the needs of homeless people asking for assistance and shelter at Islington’s Union Chapel. Islington is one of the poorest and most unequal boroughs in the country, with a high incidence of rough sleeping. Many of our guests sleep rough, some live in temporary substandard accommodation, and others are at risk of becoming homeless or have been homeless in the past and need ongoing support. We aim to meet their immediate needs, by providing food, clothing, and at times emergency accommodation; as well as providing them with support and practical help to break out of the cycle of deprivation and rebuild their lives. Our services include:
Drop-in Service, twice a week (Monday and Wednesdays, 11am-2pm) - This service is often the first contact with the homeless and the marginalised. It offers nutritious hot meal for 60-80 people in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and provides limited access to showers, laundry, clothing, emergency food parcels as well as to access to hardship fund. Housing, Benefits and Engagement Advice Service - aims to improve the living condition of people by providing housing and benefits advice as well as onward referrals to health and other pertinent services, such debt management advice, immigration advice and domestic violence support. Engagement activities help people gain important life and basic skills to breaks the circuit of unemployability and homelessness by providing personalised mix of administrative expertise as well as opportunity of sharing experience with peers. Supported Employment Programme - As well as boosting the life skills, reducing isolation and recidivism, this programme offers a paid catering training that improves the chances of employability among 15 people who have had experience of homelessness, drug misuse and/or criminal records. Establishing ‘job readiness’ is the first stage of SEP trainees, and they have full access to drop-in and advice services. Plus barber service, creative and cultural workshops such as applied theatre and drama, and more.
