Helping older people, the homeless & vulnerable people with support needs
in Kentish Town and Camden.
SanKTus originated as a community welfare project in Kentish Town in 1992, and formally became a registered charity in 2010.
It is managed by a Board of Trustees.
Our objective is to relieve poverty through giving advice and practical support to those in need. SanKTus provides meals, showers, warm clothes and befriending, as well as referrals into statutory and community-based services, for anyone in the community who would like to use our services. Most are homeless, vulnerable and isolated people living in the local area around Kentish Town. We also provide activities to improve the health and mental well-being of older members of our local community, including bingo, a two-course meal and chair based exercises.
All services are provided in the church hall of Our Lady Help of Christians , Kentish Town. A significant number of our guests are from an Irish background but all are welcome. On average we welcome over 100 guests a week to our services.
Sundays are our busiest day. We provide hot meals, tea, coffee and cakes in a communal setting with several tables and chairs. Takeaway lunches are provided to those who are unable to eat in. Hot showers and a clean change of clothes are available on request. Volunteers and the parish priest chat with those wanting to engage and are available to those seeking support with any specific questions.
For this service, our guests are mostly men who are homeless, isolated or vulnerable, many of whom have drug or alcohol addictions, mental health issues or who are simply lonely. In many cases, it’s a combination of all three.
Every Tuesday, we host a variety of social and recreational activities for local pensioners, including bingo, a two-course meal, and an afternoon of chair-based exercise. The day ends with refreshments and a chance to relax and chat.
On Wednesdays, we host a social with sandwiches and refreshments for anyone looking for nourishment company or other support. Many of the service users are homeless in the Camden area, socially isolated or financially vulnerable. There is music, and the atmosphere is a convivial one. During these sessions, we also distribute clothing and toiletries. Recently, we were fortunate to receive 70 winter coats from Wrap Up London which were distributed to our service users.
"When you're really hungry and really broke, it's the best place in town." -Margaret
"You provide a valuable service to the vulnerable living in London. I take my hat off to you." - Noosh
"I always get a warm welcome and a hot plate of food. I look forward to coming every week." 'Love'
"I've got no money and I'm hungry. I need this place." - Dave
"I enjoy the food and the friendly, caring staff." - Stephan
"I need to get out of my flat for a change of scenery so I come here for lunch." 'Love'
"I have no food at home, so I come here for a meal and for the company. I am grateful to be here."
This Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours required to promote and maintain a respectful environment, and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals using or working with SanKTus. This Code of Conduct addresses topics such as respecting boundaries, adhering to our project rules, and maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere for all.
It is expected that those participating in SanKTus services in any capacity will treat each other with respect at all times. Service users should treat volunteers, and other service users with respect and dignity, avoiding harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour or language.
If you are coming to use any of SanKTus services please adhere to the following guidance:
* Signing in: When you arrive you will be expected to adhere to the sign in procedure as requested by the staff.
* Food service: For food services you can either come inside to be served your food or take-aways are available. You will need to make your own hot drinks but tea, coffee, hot water and milk are provided.
* Shouting: Please do not shout out at volunteers, they are giving up their free time and are not paid staff.
* Substance Use: The consumption of alcohol and use of drugs is strictly forbidden while on site. Service users will not be granted access if under the influence of drugs or alcohol on arrival.
* Smoking: The project and the site within which it is based is a non-smoking site (internal and external). This prohibition covers smoking of both tobacco and recreational substances.
* Safety and Security: Maintaining a safe environment is essential to the continued success of the project. This includes respecting the environment, adhering to fire safety procedures, and avoiding any actions that could cause damage or put others at risk.
* Neighbourhood: Service users must be respectful of the surrounding neighbourhood and be mindful of noise levels
* Property and Belongings: Mutual respect for shared spaces and the property of others is essential. Service users should take care of shared facilities, keep their belongings organised, and refrain from damaging the facilities or the belongings of others.
* Complaints: If you have a complaint please speak to the duty officer or email us. We will aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
Conflict Resolution: Incidents of conflict between service users and/or volunteers will be addressed. This could involve mediation, or a formal complaints procedure. Repeated incidents of conflict or unrest could lead to temporary or permanent exclusion from the service.
Positive Attitudes and Behaviour: Promoting a supportive and inclusive atmosphere is important. Service users will be expected to be respectful, cooperative, and understanding of each other's' needs. Service users with a history of negative behaviour may not be granted access to the project.
Warnings and exclusion:
We have a clear procedure in place for addressing breaches of this code of conduct, including:
* Warning: For minor breaches.
* Suspension: Temporary exclusion from the project for more serious breaches.
* Permanent exclusion: For severe violations or a pattern of unacceptable behaviour.
Service users are expected to follow the project's rules as outlined above. Failure to do so will result in further action being taken as outlined above.
There will be times when the service will be takeaway only and will be decided on the day.
Please remember that volunteers give up their free time and are not paid, we do not ask you for a contribution to the cost of food and refreshments, so if you do not enjoy the food or service then please go somewhere else.
SanKTus is run by a team of volunteers, without whose help we could not deliver the support and care
that many living in Kentish Town, Camden and beyond desperately need.
If you want to join a friendly, well-run team and provide service,
please contact us as we always need more volunteers.
We need hands-on support during the Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday clubs.
Responsibilities vary but may include preparing meals, setting up the tables for food service or activities, serving food to guests, washing dishes, clearing up after the clubs and providing towels, toiletries and clean clothes if requested when showers are an option. Most importantly volunteers are expected to treat guests with respect and strive to provide a warm, hospitable and friendly environment.
Throughout the year, SanKTus also hosts parties, music recitals, Christmas lunch and other events.
Volunteers are needed to help set up, prepare food, clean up and mingle at these functions. At times, volunteers may be requested to deliver meals to regular guests who are unable to attend a club due to illness or physical disability. Please advise if you are willing to do this during your interview.
Please support SanKTus to continue its much-needed work, a financial donation is much needed and will be put towards food and equipment costs for our various clubs.
The number of homeless people and those experiencing social isolation and mental health challenges are on the rise. We are welcoming more and more people, both from inside Camden and from other parts of London.
While our fundraising covers some of our expenses, we need donations to match the increasing number of people requesting our services increase. Please consider making a monthly or one off donation.
£50.00 a Month: Pays for meals, toiletries and towels for 25 guests £25.00 a Month: Pays for hot meals, cakes, coffees for 10 guests
£10.00 a Month: Pays for hot meals, cakes, coffees for 5 guests
One off donations are also very welcome.
You can donate online by following the link below.
Address
SanKTus
Parish Hall
44A Falkland Road
London NW5 2XA
There is a separate entrance for the Church Halls behind the church.
The entrance is on Falkland Road.
