Who We Are
The All Souls Local Action Network (ASLAN) began as a tea run back in 1988, and since then has grown into a number of projects working with those affected by homelessness across London’s West End.
What We Do
ASLAN run a variety of initiatives including serving a hot breakfast every Saturday morning, visiting people where they sleep (starting with those on our front steps), and a be-friending programme that offers support, regular meals, and weekly Bible studies for those interested. In the winter months, we usually host a shelter. In light of covid, we are re-assessing our tea runs and our entertainment evenings.
The team are committed to manifesting God’s love to homeless people through their actions: by addressing physical, mental and spiritual needs; by giving help and affection without preconditions; by transmitting their joy in Christ; and by steadily improving standards of care and support, with God’s guidance.
Why We Do It
In the Bible, we read how Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, befriended the lonely and taught the Kingdom of God wherever he went. Following in his example, ASLAN’s ministries meet a wide range of needs: from shelter, food and clothing to friendship, help with paperwork and much more.
Pray for ASLAN
Please pray for our staff and volunteers as well as the homeless guests we meet each week.
Once a month we meet to pray together at All Souls Langham Place, anyone is welcome to join. We usually meet on the second Sunday of the month, 4pm - 5pm. For more details please get in touch - aslan@asstc.org.uk
Donate Shoes and Clothing
We give out hundreds of pairs of socks and underpants each year, along with T-shirts and warm, hard-wearing clothing, sleeping bags and footwear. Why not have a clothes collection at your work, club or church group?
Donations need to be delivered to All Souls Clubhouse, unfortunately we aren’t able to organise collections.
Clothes We Really Need
- Jeans
- Shoes & trainers (sizes 9 and above are particularly welcome)
- Sleeping bags
- Donations of new, unused underwear (pants and socks).
Clothes We Don’t Need
- Stained, torn or worn-out clothes and shoes
- White or cream jumpers and trousers
- Suits, ties, dinner jackets
- Dressing gowns and night clothes
- Women’s and children’s clothes
We aim to use the clothes we ask for to give to those who need them. However, clothes we can’t use are donated to another charity. We do not sell clothes to spend on other things or to add to our general funds.
Volunteer with ASLAN
We love to welcome new people to our team, no matter how much or how little experience you have. We have different areas where you can be involved in helping people affected by homelessness in central London.
Day Centre
Saturday, 8.00am–12.45pm
Webber Street hosts approximately 60 rough sleepers who are served a hot breakfast, use the shower facilities, receive new clothes, and take part in a bible study group. Volunteers help in a number of roles, including spending time connecting with the guests.
(Please note: Webber Street is shut for refurbishment until the end of November 2024 so we are trialling invite-only brunches at All Souls Clubhouse at the moment.)
Winter Shelter
Every day, November to April
Westminster Communal Setting Shelter provides emergency accommodation in the winter for up to 20 guests. ASLAN provides supper, overnight shelter and breakfast, manned by a paid Shelter Coordinator and teams of serving partners, who serve either a night shift or morning shift once every fortnight.
Visiting
Weekdays, 7.00pm–9.00pm
Visitors take a guest out for a meal every two weeks and pray for healthy friendships that help guests move away from homelessness. (Visiting is our most intensive volunteer area. We suggest people new to ASLAN serve in another area for a year before moving to Visiting)
Sleep Site Visiting
Saturdays, 5.45am–8.30am
A team of volunteers pray for each rough sleeper in the parish. We offer to read a psalm with them, share tea or coffee as well as linking the person with appropriate professional help.
Sign Up Form
If you would like to sign up to volunteer with ASLAN please complete the form below. If you are not specific about an area of service when you volunteer, that allows us to assign you to the area of greatest need.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact aslan@asstc.org.uk.
Give now to support ASLAN.