Oxfordshire Homeless Movement
The Porch Day Centre
The Porch
Doesn't provide shelter
Provides guidance
Provides new skill learning
Accepts time
Doesn't accept things
Accepts money
Contact Details
OX4 1RL
Service Type
Day service
Operating Hours
See Key functions & activities offered
Eligibility & Referral
Drop in
Service Description
The Porch provides day services for those who are homeless or vulnerably housed. This includes you if you are rough sleeping, sofa-surfing or in temporary emergency accommodation. At the lunch sessions it also includes those considered vulnerably housed.
The Porch offers one-to-one support and focuses on the individual, working with other organisations at times, taking a holistic attitude, and seeking to address as-yet un-met needs.
The day centre takes up to 74 people and sees about 54 people a day. Their rest room is the only daytime sleeping facility available in Oxford city.
Background
The Porch was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service due to its work with the voluntary sector and engagement with the local and wider community over the past 30 years.
The centre’s catering manager, Lorraine Green, received The High Sheriff’s Award for 18 years of commitment to The Porch’s members, and for the in-house training she’s given people, which created employability for lots of people.
Key functions & activities offered
Operating hours
Mon-Fri 8.15-11.30am inc. breakfast until 10.30am, laundry, phone, internet*, shower, clothes, library, space to get rest, 1:1 support.
11.30am-2pm with amenities as above, and lunch until 1.30pm.
2-3.30pm by appointment for 1:1 support; planned, structured group activities; and one or two amenities (laundry, shower, clothing).
Support
This may come from a support worker, or through drop-in surgeries delivered by partners.
Planned, structured group activities
These have recently included board games, art sessions, music sessions, creative writing, table-top gardening, and more.