The Poplars is a two storey hostel with a total of 84 bed spaces spread across 32 rooms of which there are 3 singles, 9 doubles, 17 triples, and 3 quads.

Who the Service is for

• Single homeless men and women aged 18-35
• Homeless families
• Those with low-medium support needs to include:-
  
  
  • A learning difficulty
  • Mental health problems. (low risk)
  • Physical disabilities which do not preclude access to the facilities
  • A history of non-violent drug or alcohol abuse
  • Criminal records and be on probation
  • HIV/epilepsy or other physical illness
  • Refugees
  • Pregnant. (up to 36 weeks gestation)
  • Homeless
  • Emergency referrals

Applicants must be prepared to participate in our support programme. The service is open to people of all faiths and those of none and regardless of their sexuality, race, creed, or culture.

The service cannot accommodate people who:-

• Have a physical or learning difficulty, which renders them unable to use the accommodation without assistance.
• Are identified by a referring agency or the assessing officer as having a significant and/or recent history of violence or abusive behaviour, arson or sexual offences.
• Need assistance with bathing or other significant assistance with personal care.
• Need staff involvement in the administration of medication.

Accessing the Service

The London Borough of Ealing’s Homeless Persons Unit have referral rights to all 84 bed spaces. Referrals can be made at any time between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

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Staffing
The building is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

Services Provided

Our support workers are able to give advice on:

• advice and information on budgeting
• accessing appropriate health care
• counseling/support groups
• training and employment opportunities
• assistance with benefit claims and involvement in social activities both within the hostel and in the wider community.

Some specialist staff also assist residents by providing:

• basic skills tuition
• computer courses
• employment skills including interview techniques
• CV building and job search
• practical living skills

It is recognised that residents particularly from ethnic minority groups, may require assistance when communicating in English. In such circumstances support is provided and where necessary, access is given to interpreters either directly from internal staff or external agencies with which the YMCA has contact.

Where appropriate, other professional agencies are asked to provide any specialist support that may be needed to enable a resident to remain at the hostel.

Facilities Provided
Residents have shared access to laundry facilities, a pay phone, and a large garden with children’s play area.

A Training Room provides opportunities for residents to benefit from basic computer skills, job search, ESOL classes, and many more development opportunities with the help of the Life Skills Housing Officer.

There is also a Computer Club for children aged 8 to 13 years plus a wide variety of children’s activities for 5 to 8 year olds.

Two community rooms are available for use by residents and local community groups. Regular events and activities include After School Clubs, Mothers and Toddlers Groups, Birthday Parties, Local Councilors Surgeries and an Open Door Project which supports residents and community members who are vulnerable.

A Practice Nurse and Health Visitors attend the Medical Room located on the ground floor every Monday for all residents to access.

For further details contact us:

2 Lillian Board Way, Greenford UB6 0SB
Telephone: 0208 832 1520
Fax: 020 8966 6532
Email: samuel.adebanjo@londonymca.org

Poplars Directions & Map>