New partnership with The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope offers free counselling to people impacted by trauma

An innovative partnership between The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope and the School of Social Work is helping the most vulnerable rebuild dignity and renew hope through counselling services to overcome trauma. 

The new King’s Community Support Centre brings six students enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs to The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

Working under the clinical supervision of Kylene Dube, MSW Practicum Coordinator at King’s, the new partnership offers the students practical counselling experience while providing support to individuals and families impacted by homelessness, substance use recovery, mental health, and other traumas.  

“We are grateful for this collaboration with King’s University College as this will significantly help London’s most vulnerable access essential counselling services with the goal of achieving long-term positive outcomes that will create a pathway of stability,” says Jon DeActis, Executive Director, The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope. “Professional one-on-one counselling services is a vital component in addressing root causes of personal adversity. This will complement existing programs offered at The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope to help those we serve.” 

The free counselling and support program began in January to Salvation Army clients and will continue until the end of July, before starting up again this coming September. Up to 12 King’s social work students will participate in the placement during the academic year. 

The King’s Community Support Centre addresses the significant demand for community support around homelessness and health, with a view to reducing barriers to service and subsequently improving life circumstances for those in need, says M.K. Arundel, Coordinator of Field Education for the School of Social Work. 

“King’s School of Social Work is excited to expand our partnership with The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope where we can provide free accessible direct practice social work support to its service users,” says Arundel. “In response to the health and homelessness initiative, this is a collaborative effort with the provision of supplementary support to our hard-working frontline, and rich learning opportunities for our students in preparation for their professional practice.” 

The King’s Community Support Centre is located on the main floor of The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope, in the Community Corner. The centre is now open every Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm for in-person intakes. Appointments will be booked on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Media Coverage

106.9 The X: Social work students help London's most vulnerable - February 13, 2023

Education News: New partnership with The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope offers free counselling to people impacted by trauma - February 10, 2023

AM980 The Pulse with Devon Peacock - February 9, 2023

Global News AM980 - King's University College partners with London Salvation Army in support of homeless counselling - February 8, 2023 (Link to the audio of the interview can be found here.)

CBC London Morning: King's University College teams up with London shelter to assist street-involved people - February 8, 2023

CBC London: Social work students to collaborate with the Salvation Army Centre of Hope - February 8, 2023