Who we are
SHOC (Slough Homeless Our Concern) is a day centre that exists to provide care for the homeless in Slough and those at risk of becoming so.
WE OFFER BOTH CRISIS CARE AND LONG TERM TRANSFORMATIONAL HELP TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE
We believe that everybody has a right to a home and at the very least a bed for the night. We began work in 1997 and have helped thousands of people since we began.
We are grateful that our focused and dedicated work has been recognized by numerous awards over the years including: Slough Mayor’s Charity of the Year 2011; a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2012; TVP Area Commander’s Commendation 2020 and BBC Berkshire’s Make a Difference Awards Community Group of the Year 2023 to name a few.
SHOC is a place where you can get the right personal support to help you make the right choices to bring about change in your life, in your own way, in your own time. We don’t just want to help people get by, we want them to start living.
Our success is helping people rejoin the community and our team is expert in helping people recover from homelessness.
We forge relationships with our guests and offer opportunities for them to make a better life for themselves. Don’t take it from us – check out real life stories of people who are now enjoying life thanks to SHOC.
Our Mission
Our Mission: to end Rough Sleeping
We believe that everybody has the right to a home and at the very least a bed for the night. SHOC (Slough Homeless Our Concern) is a day centre that exists to provide care for the homeless in Slough and those at risk of becoming so.
We offer people suffering the effects of homelessness both crisis care and long term transformational help towards independence.
Working in partnership with other organisations and the community we aim to end rough sleeping for good by creating and maintaining a sustainable pathway to suitable housing for everybody.
Our History
SHOC began life in December 1997 when a group of people from a local church realised that the cold weather provision that they had previously run was needed all year through.
With the help of a lottery grant a Project Manager was employed and premises was provided by Slough Borough Council. With the help of a group of amazing volunteers SHOC was born.
Since this time SHOC has supported 1000s of people who were suffering the effects of homelessness. Lives have been changed and also saved and we have met some wonderful people over the last 26 years.
Our Vision
Respect – We aim to treat each guest as an individual worthy of respect and to provide, within a safe, friendly environment, a comprehensive, customized package of services to tackle their specific needs.
Relational – Healthy relationships are crucial to healing shattered lives. We offer sensitive care, respect, and support often when guests have no-one else to turn to. We operate in a non-judgmental, confidential, friendly environment and our team has a proven record in changing lives.
No Discrimination – Our services are open to all. Those who have a desire to change their situation, those who need immediate care and those who need advice and guidance.
Transformational – We advocate that transformation is achieved by breaking dependency on addictions and welfare and developing an ability to form healthy relationships. Guests who come to the centre for help are given immediate crisis care, support and guidance along with the knowledge and tools to re-integrate into society and become valued members of the community.
Get in touch for more information and to see if we can help
