Jane's Story......

Jane was living with her husband and two teenage children in a house they had bought 17 years ago. She had suffered with depression and anxiety for a number of years but tried to get on with things as best she could. 

In 2012 the struggle became too much, and her relationship with her husband was put under a huge strain, and Jane started abusing alcohol. 

Although she had help from her family and her GP, Jane still struggled day to day and would binge drink in an attempt to ease her low mood. This put added pressure on her already fragile relationship at home with her husband and at the end of 2012, she went to stay with her parents. 

This was only for the short term though, as her parents were not in good health. It presented a real risk of Jane rough sleeping and in turn, affecting her mental health even more.

For someone who only 6 months earlier was living in their own home, she was now faced with a real risk of homelessness.

Luckily for Jane one of her friends had noticed the potential risks for Jane and made a referral to The Whitechapel Centre’s floating support Dual Diagnosis team. Jane was allocated a support worker who worked with her, and her family to set up a plan to support and resettle Jane whilst she was in this difficult period of her life.

In April 2013, Jane moved into a new tenancy with the help of her support worker and she has settled in well to a two bedroom house.

This means that she can have her children over to stay with her when they want and gives her an opportunity to work with her support worker to improve her anxiety and depression. 

Jane hasn’t drank any alcohol for four months now and she is linked in with a support group which she really enjoys going to. Jane is working towards going back to work in the long term and spending a lot of quality time with her family.

We wish Jane and her family all the best for her future and will continue to work on the goals that were set up when we began to support her.

Jane's story


I turned up at The Whitechapel Centre on a cold November day. I was terrified – a friend had contacted them on my behalf after witnessing first hand domestic abuse and my drinking was no longer social, but necessary.

I slept out rough several nights to avoid things. But going into The Whitechapel Centre, I needn’t have worried – I was met with only warmth, kindness, understanding and reassurance that they would support, help and never judge me. I left there feeling a huge sense of relief.

The support worker I met that day was Kenny Lawler. He has never let me down since that day – as well as all the things we agreed to work on, he has truly gone that extra mile – over & beyond.

I moved into my parents for several months, but was still at risk of rough sleeping.  He understood my situation. Kenny had taken time to talk with my parents and build a good bond. He pushed the boat out again and supported me with advice, filling in forms and contacting people on my behalf in order to re-home me.
 I moved into my new home on 15^th April this year.

Kenny helped me organise things around this as my confidence was so low at that time.

I am now independent and so happy. I am rebuilding my life slowly but surely – seeing my children, hoping to return to work – all down to the support and tremendous work of The Whitechapel Centre and their amazing staff. I will be forever grateful.

To find out more about the work that our Dual Diagnosis team carries out, and more about The Whitechapel Centre, please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Bike Riding at The Whitechapel

Earlier this month learning and enablement worker, Angela and volunteer, Dave both went on the BikeRight! Riders Leaders Course.

It is run partnership with Travel Wise for residents in North Liverpool, Everton and Kirkdale areas.

Ruby and Dave

To pass the course the pair had to complete a theory test, and then take a 2hour 30min practical bike ride down the Leeds Liverpool Canal, in the rain!

The plan is that four bikes will be left on site at our enablement centre so that Angela or Dave can take a group out along a chosen route to see points of interest.

The leaders will ensure that riders adhere to health and safety rules, and learn how to navigate roads safely.

Those who use the service will have an opportunity to keep fit, be a part of a social group, and learn how to reduce travel costs for the future.

It will also provide an opportunity for our service users to build up a trust so that they can use the bikes to keep appointments, for example at the job centre, or job interview.

All that is left to be done is for them both to complete their maintenance course so that the bikes can be delivered, and they are ready to go! 

Ruby and Angela

To find out more about the work carried out by our Learning and Enablement team please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

What a libary. What a view!

Central Library Liverpool, also known as the William Brown Library, has been beautifully remodelled and now has a stunning interior. This state of the art building opened its doors to the public on 17th May this year.

A group of the Whitechapel's service users visited the new library and were amazed at what it had to offer. 

One of the students, Alan, was shown the new library tickets which can be Everton blue or Liverpool red with the appropriate crest on each. For those folk who aren't interested in football they can choose an ordinary ticket - though to be offered the choice is very nice.

New Library tickets

Not only can you borrow up to 14 books at a time you can also book to spend time on the computers that are there, study the archives of the city in the Record Office section or simply enjoy a coffee on the pavement cafe.

The group visited the famous oak room and saw the rare Audubon portfolio of 'Birds in America'.

Towards the end of the visit everyone spent some time on the roof of this amazing building which provides a space to sit and admire a splendid view of the city.

Taking in the view of the city.

One member of the group, Steve said he was planing to return with the documents he needed to join the library himself.

Everyone said how amazing the facilities were and how much they enjoyed the visit.

To find out more about the work that we carry out at the Whitechapel Enablement Centre please visit our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

The Pre-volunteer's Graduation Day

After 12 weeks of training seven members of our latest pre-volunteer team have graduated!!

(l-r) Gary, Mervyn, Angela, Zola, Christian

The training program they have followed has been extremely varied, combining practical skills training, with days out around the city, and even arts and craft sessions.

Examples of these are: Working as a Team, Health and Safety, Dealing with Difficult Situations and making mosaics.

These sessions are aimed at helping people to have the confidence to make a positive change to their lives, whilst providing them with the basic skills to do so.

The newly graduated group enjoying a celebration of their achievements.

Many of the sessions have featured previously in The Whitechapel blog, showing how the course has been enjoyable and fun for those taking part, as well as practical and informative.

Of the seven that graduated three have moved straight on the the full volunteer course, a brilliant achievement for all those involved.

Both our volunteer and pre-volunteer programs are hugely successful, helping people to move on to the next stage in their lives and to enable them to help their community.

To find out more about our volunteer program, or about our Enablement Centre and the work that we do, please go to our website at http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Whitechapel's Pre-volunteers Walk a Tour of The City

Whitechapel's new intake of pre-volunteers, along with resident tutor Carole Benn, spent a fascinating afternoon with local historian Angela Wylie.

They spent the afternoon exploring street culture around the centre of Liverpool, starting in St John's Gardens, just behind St Georges Hall.

The group learnt all about the philanthropic works of William Rathbone who was based in Liverpool. The whole area had an abundance of wonderful sculpture relating to the city.

The group then moved to see the famous Eleanor Rigby monument, based on the famous song by The Beatles, sitting all alone in Stanley Street, that was until they arrived!

Gary and Anglea with Eleanor Rigby

After this they then sampled the delights of Matthew Street, and found a certain Mr John Lennon leaning nonchalantly in the corner, along with some of Arthur Dooley's works, one entitled 'Four lads Who Shook the World'.

Next to these is the amazing brick wall which details the many rock and pop groups, and singers, that have made Liverpool famous.
It was great afternoon thanks to Angela who had so much knowledge and information to impart. The group were amazed at the amount of history that could be learnt  simply by walking through the city. Gary said "It was fantastic"

To find our more about the services that we provide at The Whitechapel Centre, or to find out how you can volunteer please go to our website at: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk

Streetfaith Memorial Service at St Luke’s (the bombed out Church)

Amongst the ruins of this beautiful Gothic church, those people who have departed from this life and were known by us, were remembered yesterday – July 4^th. A service was held in the broken grandeur of this church which was so badly damaged in the Liverpool Blitz.

 

The simple and moving service was officiated by Reverend Lyn McIver, curate at St Michael’s Aigburth. Lyn reflected on the positive force memories can have in one of the readings which requested us to ‘ smile, open your eyes, love and go on.’



Angela McKay, Whitechapel Centre
Rev Lyn McIver, St Michael's
Debbie Reynolds, StreetFaith



Then there was the reading of the names by Debbie Reynolds (SFX church) and Carole Benn (Whitechapel). After this a moment of quiet to reflect and gather our thoughts followed by the tying of white ribbons to the shrubs growing in the body of the church. Each ribbon bore the name of a person who has been loved and lost.

At the end of the service a white balloon was released which represented the letting go of those who have departed. It sailed up through the broken roof skywards disappearing from sight.

Then refreshments were served to the congregation.

Many of those attending felt great satisfaction that their friends and loved ones were not forgotten.

Carole Benn