“The Woking team is incredibly dedicated, and despite the occasional challenges we have, we all really care about the work – and most importantly – the clients.”
What we’re all about
Our Woking team is split into two brilliant teams: Pound House and The Crescent.
We’re very big on restorative practice and trauma-informed care. In simpler terms, this means we understand the link between trauma and some of the challenges faced by clients (like mental health issues or drug/alcohol issues) and respond to it accordingly. We support clients to build and strengthen their relationships and repair any harm that has been done.
Our biggest success in 50 years
Throughout the years we’ve become a well-respected organisation and a go-to partner for many others in the community. If there’s a new project happening, we’re contacted for our advice and thoughts – that’s a big success for us.
The team also has a very high rate of clients moving on in a planned way from Transform. It’s always lovely to see people reach their full potential, regardless of what that might look like. Young people have come in in emergency scenarios and happily moved into university halls many years later, and we’ve had clients with more enduring support needs – some of whom have been with us for 20-25 years – remain happy and secure within their community.
About Pound House
The team
We have 11 staff members, including two resident volunteers who live with clients.
Our services
Pound House is a 24-hour staffed hostel for young people who need additional support with their day-to-day lives. We assess their needs going forward, help them plan their future and transition from supported housing.
We currently have 11 bed spaces, which include 9 permanent beds (for stays up to two years) and two emergency beds. We also manage two shared houses, and we’re hoping to expand our services in April.
What makes us unique
What makes our team unique is the added value we provide. On top of your more traditional 1-1 support sessions, we’re able to fund gym memberships and exercise classes, as well as any clothing and equipment needed. We’re also able to fund travel for clients to access education and training – including apprenticeships. All of this is thanks to our very successful fundraising!
About The Crescent
The team
We have nine staff members and a great volunteer, who helps us collect donations and maintain our foodbank.
Our services
We support 44 individuals including young people, those who have drug and/or alcohol issues or mental health challenges, and single people with a variety of complex needs. We offer monthly or weekly support based on clients’ individual needs.
What makes us unique
We’re very proud of The Crescent for being a welcoming and inclusive environment where clients tend to be stable and happy. The planned move-on rate is very high, and clients really enjoy our seasonal activities.
Covid-permitting, we run arts and crafts clubs like Easter workshops, Christmas card-making, and wreath-making (photos of which you might have seen on social media.) Other organisations also use the building for job clubs and courses, so it’s become a real hub for community activities.
On a personal note
The Woking team is incredibly dedicated and, despite the occasional challenges we have, we all really care about the work and – most importantly – the clients. We remain focused on providing clients with the very best housing and support possible so that we can help them reach their full potential.
