At Our Lady of Lourdes, we believe our faith calls us to look beyond our own doors. This page brings together two organisations that serve some of the most vulnerable people in our local community. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply know where to point someone who needs help, we hope you find what you are looking for here.
Acton Homeless Concern
Acton Homeless Concern (AHC) is a local charity with a simple but powerful mission — to provide advice, support and hope to anyone in need, in a safe and warm environment where everyone is welcome.
Founded and supported by our local community, AHC runs two drop-in centres right here in Acton, serving people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing poverty and isolation. Their services are completely free, and no one is turned away.
Our history
Acton Homeless Concern has deep roots in our parish community. Emmaus House began as the response of the Sacred Hearts Community and a group of dedicated parish volunteers who saw a need on their doorstep and decided to act. What started as a grassroots act of faith has grown into a fully established charity, now supported by the London Borough of Ealing, alongside the generous donations of parishioners and local supporters.
In 1999, the parish took another significant step — purchasing a property just around the corner from the church to provide a place of welcome and companionship during the hours when Emmaus House is closed. The Damien Centre was opened and blessed on 5th November 1999 by Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue, and has been a lifeline for the local homeless community ever since.
AHC also works to support people recovering from alcohol and drug dependency — providing access to a supported “dry” halfway house, giving people a safe and stable environment to rebuild their lives after detoxification.
This is a charity born from our parish, grown by our community and sustained by our faith. We are enormously proud of everything AHC has achieved — and everything it continues to do.
What they do
AHC offers much more than a hot meal. Across both centres, they provide:
- Hot lunches, breakfasts and refreshments
- Showers and haircuts
- Clothing and household essentials
- Health services including GP, dental, optician and chiropody
- Advice and advocacy on housing, benefits and mental health
- Alcohol and drug counselling
- A weekly group for women and children
- And above all — a friendly face and a place to belong
The two centres
Emmaus House 1 Berrymead Gardens, Acton, London W3 8AA Tel: 020 8992 5768
The Damien Centre 3–5 Church Road, Acton, London W3 8PU Tel: 020 8993 6096 Monday to Friday: 9am–12noon and 2pm–6pm Thursday: 2.30pm–6pm
Get involved
AHC is run by a small staff team and powered by volunteers — around 5,000 hours of volunteering every year. As a parish community, we have a wonderful opportunity to support their work.
There are several ways you can help:
- Volunteer your time — full training and support is provided
- Donate — visit actonhomelessconcern.org to give online via JustGiving
- Spread the word — if you know someone who needs support, AHC welcomes everyone
To find out more or to get involved, contact AHC directly at admin@actonhomelessconcern.org or call 020 8992 5768.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free, confidential fellowship for people who want to stop drinking. It is open to anyone, regardless of background or belief, and runs entirely on a voluntary basis. Meetings offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share experiences and find support from others who understand.
AA meetings are held at our parish premises on:
- Saturday mornings — 1 Berrymead Gardens
- Wednesday evenings — 3 Berrymead Gardens
For more information, visit alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk or call the AA national helpline on 0800 9177 650 (free, 24 hours).
“Love your neighbour as yourself.” — Mark 12:31