The Winchester Beacon

Who we are

The Winchester Beacon is the new working name of the long-established charity, Winchester Churches Nightshelter (WCNS). WCNS was founded in 1988 to provide emergency shelter to people experiencing homelessness during winter months. Thousands of people have managed to escape homelessness with the support of WCNS.

Over the last 33 years the charity has evolved to become more than a Nightshelter which is part of the reason for the change of name. The Winchester Beacon is located on Jewry Street and offers ten single bedrooms and wrap around support to people experiencing homelessness.

We open all day and all night, 365 days of the year. We accommodate, on average, between 60-80 people annually and provide ongoing support to many more. As well as our bedrooms on site at The Winchester Beacon, we accommodate an additional twelve people at our three off site properties in the local area.

Our culture and values

Our Values:

Honest and open - We treat everyone with kindness and respect, without prejudice or discrimination.

Safe and supportive - We provide a home where residents can be comfortable and safe and can find the help and restoration of self-esteem they need.

Flexible and caring - We foster collaboration to work as a team with residents, staff, volunteers, the local community and other agencies / partners.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Winchester Beacon is committed to a policy of equality of opportunity and treating everyone fairly in employment and in access to service provision.

We require all staff, through their actions, to uphold The Winchester Beacon’s Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy and ensure that discrimination does not occur.