Caritas Westminster

02/10/2026

Introducing Caritas Hope!

Today marks the launch of Caritas Hope, an umbrella service of Caritas Westminster inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope.

We provide vital counselling and psychotherapy for Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families. Plus, we equip parishes with resources to support those facing Domestic Abuse and gender-based violence.

While each project looks different, they are united by the belief that every person has the right to pastoral and therapeutic support which meets & understands their needs.

Head to our website to learn more!

29/09/2026

🏆 We're delighted to share that Bakhita House has been recognised at the London Dangoor Awards for "outstanding services to Faith and Belief Communities in Greater London"!

Run by The Faith and Belief Forum, the awards celebrate the vital work of London's faith and belief communities, shining a light on local heroes who show how Londoners of all faiths and beliefs can work together for a fairer, more inclusive city.

Thank you to everyone whose dedication and compassion make Bakhita House what it is. This award is for you. 💙

Click here to learn more: https://caritaswestminster.org.uk/news/bakhita-house-receives-london-dangoor-award/

26/09/2026

Today we celebrated something very special at Caritas Westminster: 50 years of the Deaf Service! 💙

For half a century, the Diocese of Westminster has welcomed the Deaf community with open arms, helping them grow closer to their Catholic faith.

The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Paul McAleenan, has given us many tender moments, warm smiles, and a real sense of togetherness.

None of it would have been possible without the many dedicated volunteers and staff who have given their time and hearts over the years. A huge thank you as well to the Diocese of Westminster and to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone.

Here's to many more years of this beautiful community growing in both numbers and faith!

24/09/2026

Society is not geared up for people who are deaf — it's built for a hearing world. That's why Caritas Deaf Service is here. 🕊️

We have walked alongside the Deaf community here in Westminster for 50 years, so that they can fully access their Catholic faith.

📅 Join us this Saturday, 26th September, at 2pm for a special Deaf Service Mass at Westminster Cathedral to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Everyone is welcome — come along, or share this with someone who might like to join us!

23/09/2026

“Communication, in all its forms, gives us the freedom to express ourselves and share our lives and experiences with others… sign languages are as varied, rich, and distinct as spoken languages.”

🌎Today, on International Sign Languages Day, we celebrate the rich diversity of sign languages and Deaf communities around the world.

At Caritas Westminster, our Deaf Service works alongside the Deaf community in the Diocese of Westminster to help make the life of the Church more accessible and inclusive.

🔗 To discover more about the diversity of sign language and the work of our Deaf Service click the link below 👇

“Isn’t sign language international?” It’s a question many people ask, and the answer is a resounding no. Sign languages are as varied, rich, and distinct as spoken languages. Today, on […]

17/09/2026

Cardinal Vincent Nichols joined us to reflect on the power of music at Bakhita House, home to women who have survived trafficking and modern slavery.

The event explored how music offers survivors a path to reconnect with their feelings, express themselves, and find their voice again after all they've been through.

As Psalm 68:6 reminds us: "God gives the lonely a home to live in; he leads the prisoners forth into freedom.

At Bakhita House, that's exactly what we see - women finding freedom, community, and a song of their own. 🕊️

16/09/2026

New research into the role of music therapy in the recovery of women who have survived modern slavery and human trafficking was launched on Monday 14 September at St Mary's University, Twickenham.

The report — "Much brighter than the darkness before": The role of Music Therapy in the recovery of female survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking at Caritas Bakhita House— found that music can provide women recovering from modern slavery and human trafficking with a safe space to express themselves, regain a sense of agency and develop lasting strategies for emotional wellbeing.

During the day, we heard about the slow but meaningful journeys of recovery at Caritas Bakhita House, and how music has become an important part of that process.

While some women are shy and less expressive, and others are more confident and outspoken, they all shared one thing in common: music is helping them heal and has given them a safe space to express themselves, connect with others, and begin to rebuild their lives.

This is made possible through the dedication of everyone at Bakhita House.

Read more: https://caritaswestminster.org.uk/news/music-therapy-gives-survivors-of-modern-slavery-a-space-for-freedom-agency-and-hope-new-research-finds/

14/09/2026

'Much brighter than the darkness before'

Today we've been celebrating the role of Music Therapy in the recovery of our guests at Caritas Bakhita House, with a presentation at St Mary's University, London. We heard how music therapy had created a space within which participants experienced a sense of freedom and autonomy.

'Music therapy makes me feel included, accepted, not judged... that also allows me to be myself' ~ Zoria

Read the report in full here: https://caritaswestminster.org.uk/news/music-therapy-gives-survivors-of-modern-slavery-a-space-for-freedom-agency-and-hope-new-research-finds/.

13/09/2026

On Wednesday, Richard Harries spoke at the Faith Charities Forum in London, where he gathered with organisations and people from a wide range of faiths and backgrounds to explore how we can work together for the common good - particularly through volunteering and supporting our neighbours.

Richard was able to share the incredible work carried out by volunteers across the Diocese of Westminster. With more than 23,000 parishioners volunteering across the broader area of the Diocese, their contribution makes a real difference in communities every day.

01/09/2026

From today, many thousands more children in England will be fuelled for learning thanks to a free school meal. 🍽️

The Government has widened eligibility to every child in a household receiving Universal Credit, meaning over 500,000 more pupils will benefit.

Caritas Westminster has joined 100+ organisations in celebrating this significant boost for children and families.

To read the statement, click here here:https://www.schoolfoodmatters.org/sites/default/files/2026-08/SFR-FSM-expansion-joint-statement-September-2026.pdf