The Winchester Beacon

The Winchester Beacon Our mission is to enable people to escape homelessness for good. The Winchester Beacon offers hope and help to people experiencing homelessness in Hampshire.

The Winchester Beacon (formerly Winchester Churches Nightshelter) offers accommodation, food and vital support services to people experiencing homelessness across Hampshire. The charity has been supporting people for over 30 years as Winchester Churches Nightshelter. In 2021, we changed our working name to The Winchester Beacon to better reflect the support we now give. We are open every day of the year, 24 hours a day with ten bedrooms in the city centre of Winchester and an additional 12 beds at our off-site properties. We provide high quality accommodation and food, a safe and caring temporary home, and specialist support to restore self-esteem, develop skills, and support people into longer-term accommodation and independent living. We offer one-to-one advocacy support and advice, computer training, help with budgeting and finances, practical aid with food and nutrition, guidance for anyone with substance misuse problems, and counselling. Our aim is to enable people to rebuild their lives and escape homelessness for good. DONATIONS

If you would like to donate food, domestic items, clothes or funds to The Winchester Beacon please visit http://winchesterbeacon.org.uk/ways-you-can-give/

STAYING WITH US

If you need information about staying at The Winchester Beacon, please visit https://winchesterbeacon.org.uk/stay-at-the-nightshelter/

This week we were lucky enough to be joined by M group, who came in and gave their time and energy to cook a delicious s...
19/09/2026

This week we were lucky enough to be joined by M group, who came in and gave their time and energy to cook a delicious stir-fry and fruit crumble for our residents, staff and volunteers.

The team of colleagues worked enthusiastically to prepare and cook lunch, quickly filling the corridors with a wonderful smell.

A big thank you to them as it was an amazing opportunity for residents, staff and volunteers to sit down and eat together.

We look forward to next month's meal!

Join TakeNote Chamber Choir and The Hyde Pipers for a free outdoor concert this Sunday, part of . The programme will inc...
18/09/2026

Join TakeNote Chamber Choir and The Hyde Pipers for a free outdoor concert this Sunday, part of . The programme will include folk and classical songs and Northumbrian tunes by the pipers.

Taking place at Wolvesey Castle from 12.30pm with the performance beginning at 1pm. Bring a chair, bean bag, blanket, picnic. All ages welcome.

It is a free event with a retiring collection in aid of English Heritage and The Wi******er Beacon.

Please spread the word.

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Whether you already support our life-changing work or you are curious about what is being done to tackle homelessness we...
12/09/2026

Whether you already support our life-changing work or you are curious about what is being done to tackle homelessness we would love to see you at our Supporters' Evening on Thursday 15th October at The Arc on Jewry Street in Wi******er.

The evening is an opportunity to discover more about how we are supporting people experiencing homelessness with the help of our amazing community.

The doors will be open from 6.30pm with light refreshments available. Guests will take their seats at 7pm. The event is free to attend but we do ask you to reserve a place via our website or email marketing@wi******erbeacon.org.uk.

More information and booking: https://buff.ly/2nljkNk

We'd love to see you there.

Please share.

On Sunday 20th September, come along to Wolvesey Castle and enjoy the sounds of TakeNOTE Chamber Choir and The Hyde Pipe...
28/08/2026

On Sunday 20th September, come along to Wolvesey Castle and enjoy the sounds of TakeNOTE Chamber Choir and The Hyde Pipers. This historic setting will host a free concert as part of Wi******er Heritage Open Days

The concert is free with a retiring collection for English Heritage and The Wi******er Beacon. Thank you to everyone involved for your support.

Please share and spread the word.

During their stay with us, we encourage our residents to explore the many opportunities on offer in our community. Build...
24/08/2026

During their stay with us, we encourage our residents to explore the many opportunities on offer in our community. Building connections outside The Beacon is an important part of nurturing a sustainable life away from homelessness.

Local clubs, activities, events, support groups help our residents whilst also preventing isolation once they move on from The Wi******er Beacon.

We love hearing about opportunities and events in the community, please get in touch with any we can share on our noticeboards.

Where is The Wi******er Beacon located?Our main site is on Jewry Street in Wi******er. We are tucked away at the back of...
20/08/2026

Where is The Wi******er Beacon located?

Our main site is on Jewry Street in Wi******er. We are tucked away at the back of the Jewry Street Car Park next to .

The lower floor of this building has been our base since 1988. Here we can accommodate ten people and over the years thousands of people have stayed with us and rebuilt their life with the support and kindness of our staff, volunteers and the wider community.

A further twelve people are accommodated and supported at our three move on houses located in Wi******er and Eastleigh.

If you are ever in the area do pop by our reception window and say hello. We are always pleased to meet people keen to find out more about what we do and how they can help.

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Many of our residents have faced weeks or months of uncertainty and challenges before they come to stay with us. Our aim...
17/08/2026

Many of our residents have faced weeks or months of uncertainty and challenges before they come to stay with us. Our aim is that when they arrive at The Wi******er Beacon they feel a sense of safety, warmth and hope.

Recently, one of our residents explained to staff that since moving in to The Beacon a couple of months ago he has found it to be a place to reset. He explained that he has been able to focus on himself and what he needs to rebuild his life.

Each of our residents benefits from one-to-one support from our staff which is tailored to their specific needs and goals. It is amazing to see the transformation many of our residents go through during their stay.

A big thank you to the fantastic team from M Group who gave their energy, enthusiasm and time to neaten up the front of ...
13/08/2026

A big thank you to the fantastic team from M Group who gave their energy, enthusiasm and time to neaten up the front of our main building.

The team of colleagues worked tirelessly removing weeds and dirt as well as scrubbing the floor clean. Staff, volunteers and residents have all noticed how much more welcoming it looks.

Support like this makes such a difference. We're incredibly grateful to the local businesses, organisations and individuals who choose to stand alongside The Wi******er Beacon. Whether it's giving time, sharing skills or making a donation every act of kindness helps us continue supporting people to rebuild their lives and move beyond homelessness.

Thank you M Group.

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What is being done to address homelessness in Hampshire?We would love you to come along to our Supporters' Evening on Th...
10/08/2026

What is being done to address homelessness in Hampshire?

We would love you to come along to our Supporters' Evening on Thursday 15th October 2026 to find out. We will talk about the many ways we are helping people facing homelessness thanks to the support of our local community.

Whether you already support our vital work or you would like to understand more about how we help people facing homelessness we'd love to see you there.

When: Thursday 15th October 2026, doors open at 6.30pm with guests taking their seats at 7pm
Where: The Arc, Wi******er, SO23 8SB

Everyone is welcome but places are limited, please click on the link below to reserve your place. It is free to attend.

Reserve your place: https://buff.ly/yzxyHjo

Please share to help spread the word.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." - Albert EinsteinRebuilding your life after...
06/08/2026

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein

Rebuilding your life after homelessness isn't easy. It takes courage, determination and the right support.

At The Wi******er Beacon, we walk alongside every resident providing the encouragement, practical support and hope that they need to take steps towards a brighter future.

Last week, our residents joined for a cycle through the beautiful local countryside. Whether they were experienced cyclists or getting back on a bike for the first time in years, everyone was welcome.

The ride offered far more than fresh air and exercise. It was a chance to build confidence, enjoy meaningful conversation and experience the simple freedom that comes from cycling.

Thank you to for helping create moments like these that support wellbeing, connection and new beginnings.

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Address

20B Jewry Street
Winchester
SO238RZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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