Welcome and assessment
Asking for help
We know it can be difficult to ask for help.
Our welcome and assessment team is here to listen, understand what is going on, and work with you to find the right support.
People are often dealing with more than one issue at the same time. We will listen and work with you to find what may help now and in the future.
If you're worried about where you're living, paying bills, benefits, immigration, work, education, or family, contact us.
Who we can help
We can help if all of these describe your situation:
- You are a young person aged 16–25, or a parent or carer with children
- You live in Westminster, or have a connection to the area
- You need help with housing, money, work, learning, or immigration
If you are not sure if this applies to you, please contact us. We will do our best to guide you.
Our team
Our welcome and assessment team is part of a wider team of specialists across the Centre. They are experienced and trained to:
- Understand housing and benefits
- Identify what support will be most helpful
- Work sensitively with people who may be under stress or dealing with difficult situations
Our Advice Quality Standard accreditation means you can trust the advice you receive from us.
Our job is to listen carefully to understand what is going on. We take time to agree next steps and connect you to the right support, so you leave feeling clearer and less overwhelmed.
Gareth, Advice and Assessment Worker
What happens when you contact us
When you phone, email us, or call into the Centre, we will:
- Ask some questions to understand your situation
- Offer an appointment at the Centre or by phone
- Find out if we need a translator
How do I prepare for my appointment?
You may be asked to bring documents that help explain your situation, such as:
- Letters about your housing, benefits or immigration status
- Proof of income
- Identification
- Recent correspondence from your local council or other services
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will work through it with you.
What will happen at my appointment?
At your assessment we will:
- Listen to your situation and what you are worried about
- Ask questions to understand what support you need
- Explain what help may be available
- Agree next steps with you
We understand it can be difficult to talk about personal situations.
We will listen in a calm, respectful and non-judgemental way.
What will you ask me?
During your appointment, we will ask about different areas of your life so we can understand your situation. This may include talking about:
- Your housing and where you are staying
- Your income, benefits and money
- Your work, training or education
- Your family situation
- Any immigration or legal matters
You do not need to have everything worked out. We will help you decide what to do next.
What can you help me with?
At this stage, we can:
- Give clear information about your situation and your options
- Help you understand how systems work, such as housing or benefits
- Refer you to other specialist services within the Centre
- Discuss supporting you over a longer period if you need ongoing help
- Give you contact details of other organisations if we are not the right service for you
Please know that your work goes far beyond the immediate help – it gives families like mine hope and the strength to keep moving forward. I’m deeply grateful, and I wanted to make sure you knew how much it means to us.
SamContact us
You can either call or email us to make an appointment, or walk in to the Cardinal Hume Centre to speak to someone.
We provide assessment and support by phone and in person.
Please tell us if you need an interpreter when you contact us.