Turn a Corner continues to operate in three central London locations each week, and is ramping up its support to people living on the street as we enter the winter period.
Our mobile library for people affected by homelessness in central London is based on the service formerly provided by Quaker Homeless Action, a small charity which became part of QSA in December 2020. We re-launched the mobile library as Turn a Corner in the summer of 2021, and it currently visits three central London locations, each on a weekly basis. Turn a Corner provides:
- A friendly mobile community space for people affected by homelessness
- A free library lending service – no fixed address or membership required to borrow a book
- Guidance on connecting with other local services that offer support to people affected by homelessness
- Takeaway resources and donated items for people experiencing homelessness such as sleeping bags, clothing and hygiene products. QSA is requesting donations of a variety of practical items to help people.
It is beyond the scope and ability of Turn a Corner to tackle the variety of individual issues and societal problems that have led people to be living on the street. However in line with QSA's overall mission - supporting people to address the issues that affect their lives - by offering friendly company we also provide opportunities to find out about other services where people can find further support.
Homelessness is a year-round problem, and QSA intends to run Turn a Corner all year round; we aim to continue evolving the service as we learn from the people affected by homelessness whom we meet.
We are also aware that homelessness is a much broader problem than the highly visible tragedy of people living on the street. Turn a Corner - and our supported cooking project Cook Up - welcome people affected by any form of homelessness, including but not limited to people who are sofa surfing, living in a hostel, night shelter, B&B or living in conditions that affect their health or leave them at risk of violence or abuse at home. We also welcome refugees and asylum seekers.