The Salvation Army in Wokingham bringing hope to people with addictions

In the heart of Wokingham, amidst a backdrop of affluence, the Salvation Army Church shines as a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction and homelessness. Offering a warm welcome and a helping hand, the church and charity, working with a number of partners that include the Wokingham Borough Council, is offering a path towards recovery and renewed hope.

Jan Howlin, the leader of The Salvation Army Church in Wokingham says everyone has a potential for positive change and she together with a team of volunteers are working to provide support and encouragement for those who need it to reach their full potential.

Jan said; "The church in Wokingham understands that everyone deserves a place to belong, regardless of their background or current circumstances. We recognise that many in our community, including those experiencing homelessness, addiction, or simply feeling isolated, may feel out of step because of  the affluence that surrounds them. We offer a haven where you can find a listening ear, a warm meal, and a community that truly cares. Whether you're struggling with addiction, facing homelessness, or simply seeking connection, we are here to walk alongside you on your journey.”

Through weekly collaborative meetings with  Wokingham Borough Council, Jan and her team seek to address housing challenges, homelessness, addictions and develop solutions to better serve vulnerable individuals in the community.  

The church and charity also works in partnership with Cranstoun Wokingham, a local charity that offers drug and alcohol recovery services for adults, including support for families and carers. They also offer, detox and rehab support, and access to mutual aid groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

The Salvation Army Hall in Wokingham also hosts an AA group who meet on Fridays at 8pm. While the primary audience is individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, the meetings are also open to family members, friends or supporters of those in recovery. 

Aaron, 34, has autism and is battling drug addiction and alcohol use.  He has been homeless for the most part of his life (17 years) having left home as a teenager after getting into trouble with his parents. But now he says The Salvation Army has contributed to the improvement in his circumstances.

Aaron said; “these guys have given me a sense of belonging. Jan, Mariana (the community development officer) and all the volunteers here have been good to me, making me feel loved and it's this care that has made me rediscover my passion for art and painting. From sleeping in the park and back seats of cars to having my own decent flat in town and having a lot of canvas paintings ready to be sold, I am grateful to Wokingham Salvation Army.”

Jan said Aaron’s story of resilience and transformation is an example of how The Salvation Army listens and tries to offer practical solutions to the community’s needs.

The Salvation Army supports people with their recovery journey from drug or alcohol addictions by following a harm reduction philosophy in its strategy and services to address not only the addictive behaviour but also the root causes. This approach enables people using its services to stay as safe as possible until they feel ready to implement the changes they want to make in their lives.

Anyone in need of support for addiction can simply walk into The Salvation Army in Wokingham – no appointment, phone call or email is necessary.  To learn more about the work being done by The Salvation Army in Wokingham visit:  Wokingham | The Salvation Army.