Notting Hill

We recognise that Christmas can be a challenging and painful time for many people. This year we again are holding our Christmas Toy and Gift Appeal, which will not just serve people in Notting Hill but also Kilburn and wider. The appeal will be based at our centre in Notting Hill. 

If you would value some help and support this Christmas please get in touch with us as soon as possible and we will send you a document to complete. 

If you can partner with us to help us make Christmas a little better for others, then please see the information in this section regarding justgiving, or donation of gifts. All gifts should be directed to our centre in Notting Hill. 

We recognise we cannot make dreams come true for others, alone. Making this happen together is a beautiful thing, and reflects so much of what Christmas is all about. 

A link to our Amazon Wish List:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/1DZ0D562D3EME?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_XM0RW4NN2QFQ82APQRZN

Our hall, our centre, is located on the world famous Portobello Road. The road is famous for its market which has operated throughout the week, but especially at weekends, for generations. The wider area of Notting Hill is well known for the location or reference in many films, from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and the song - Portobello Road, to Notting Hill and Paddington. 

Our hall, our centre is a Sanctuary where anyone is welcome and can come. It is a Christian Church, opened to all, with a heart for its community, 

As you enter our building there is a small entrance with toilets either side, and a shower block. You will then enter into our Hall, our worship hall, our community centre, which houses our Corner Shop, selling goods for raising funds. You will see as you enter the kitchen hatch, open as a sign that we are here to serve you. To the left is a door leading down a small corridor to the community lounge, a small space where people can sit and chat away from the busyness of the main hall. To the right of this room is the Quiet Room, another small space to reflect, to retreat, to sit on your own, with others. A place to pray and be prayed with. Straight ahead out of the community lounge is our community garden - a fantastic space where you can equally retreat and just be. 

Our facilities are available to the public. To you. Do come and enjoy this special place of sanctuary. 

Each Sunday at 10:30am - Christian Worship

We meet at 10:30am every Sunday and YOU are very welcome. We seek to ensure that our 'meetings' are opportunities for us all to meet with Jesus and experience His Holy Spirit in some way. 

FIRST SUNDAY IN THE MONTH is Brunch Church - we start with breakfast, and then watch an episode of The Chosen. There will also be some time to share songs of praise and worship, some reflection and prayer. Equally there will also be opportunity to discuss what we have watched.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION MEETINGS are held on every Sunday (other than the first in the month) and include time to share in songs of praise and worship, to pause and reflect, to pray, to chat, to listen, to explore what God might be saying to us through His Word, the Bible. The meetings last just over an hour. There are refreshments before and afterwards. The meetings are led by members of our church, or a visiting speaker. 

We are first and foremost a Christian Church. What we do is because of our faith. However that does not mean that we exclude those who do not share what we believe. There is a very special welcome for everyone at The Salvation Army. 

Our Celebration Meetings give us opportunity to reflect on the past week, to look ahead to the next, to see what God may be saying to us at this time, and to allow His Holy Spirit to empower and equip us. Each week may differ and may be led by our church leader or someone within the church or elsewhere. The gatherings are informal. There will be a 'menu' of many different things, recognising that some find some things more helpful than others. You do not have to have a faith to attend. You may just be exploring or wanting to check it out. But there will be space to pray, to reflect. We will listen to music. We will sing some hymns and songs. We will share refreshments together. People of all ages are included, and we provide activities for children. 

As a Christian Church we recognise that we can chat with God, as well as just be in His Presence, is so important to us. We are here if it would be helpful to you, to listen to you, to pray with you and believe with you that God hears what we share. If you have a prayer request please email us, or visit us at the centre. We have prayer cards that can be completed and these are often read in our Celebration Meetings. 

As a Christian Church we recognise that God has spoken to us through His Word, the Bible, and as the best selling book in the world, we can continue to learn from reading this, as well as still hear God speak. We place importance on the Bible, and everything we do is about ensuring we are living out and hearing in our lives, what God requires of us. We do not always get that right! But we ask that God guides us and corrects us. We spend some time in our Celebration Meetings opening The Word, as well as time in the week to study a little further. 

TUESDAY

From 9:00 - 10.30am - Community Cafe

Our weekly breakfast Cafe. Come along and experience a friendly atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink and a breakfast sandwich. Practical assistance is also available for struggling families and individuals.

12:00 until 14:00 - Knit & Natter Group

Do you want an excuse to get out of the house? Do you want to meet new people? Do you enjoy knitting?  If the answer is yes to any of these questions, why not come along and join us. It's a great way to meet new friends whether you enjoy knitting or would like to learn. And if you do not enjoy knitting, we are exploring ways in which we can all be involved in some way. 

15:00 until 16:00 - Bible Study 

Are you seeking spiritual growth and community? Our Bible study group warmly welcomes individuals of all levels of maturity. We meet regularly on a Tuesday at 3pm.

WEDNESDAY 

11.15am-12.45pm - Wednesday Lunch Club 

A opportunity to enjoy a good cooked meal every Wednesday, but this must be prebooked by the Sunday. There are two options for the main course. 

This is followed by Chair Based Exercises with Open Age at 1pm-2pm. Please contact Open Age to book your place. 

THURSDAY

10:30 until 11:30 - Joy of Sound Portobello Live Music Session

Come join Joy of Sound for inclusive improvised participatory community music sessions with plenty of bespoke instruments and assistive devices..

‘Every one can play'. Come join us and be inspired. Suggested donation is £7.

For more information click here.

12:30 until 13:30 - Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

FRIDAY

10:30 Until 2.00pm - Community Cafe, Lunches and activities 

A Cafe for the community. Come along and experience a friendly atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink and a snack. Enjoy a hot lunch between 12 noon and 13:00. From 1.15pm we usually have some form of community activity. Practical assistance is also available for struggling families and individuals. We can help with emergency food and toiletry needs. We also have a shower facility and can offer an emergency laundry service.

11:00 Until 13:00 - Advice, Support & Signposting via Employment +

Becoming part of a community where you are building your confidence, skills, and discovering new things about yourself – these are some of the positive benefits we’ve seen people gain from being in work, volunteering or taking part in a work-experience placement through the help of The Salvation Army. Find out more/employment-plus/local-support-jobseekers

Those engaging with the Employment Plus local will benefit from support such as:

• Assisted job searches
• Digital inclusion
• Benefits advice and support
• A listening ear
• Support for digital inclusion. Digital skills are increasingly important for enabling current social participation. Digital inclusion means ensuring people have physical access to the internet as well as the necessary skills, confidence and capabilities to use it. This includes digital assistance for people with their EU Settled Status application

SUNDAY

10:30am - Christian Worship

We meet at 10:30am every Sunday for our Celebration Meeting, it is inclusive and informal. We encounter God in a variety of ways: including through a message, Bible study, craft, prayer, and personal reflection. 

How can we help you?

Advice Service

The Employment Plus Advice Surgery is available to provide support and provide signposting on a range of issues from housing to benefits, and helping you to find employment, education, or training. This is appointment and referral only. Email kilburn@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 020 7328 1312 for more details and for a referral.

Shower facility and Laundry Assistance

Throughout the week we have a shower facility available for both men and women, aiming to provide dignity and, in some cases, help improve mental and physical health, for those in our community who are in need. We have a shower room, with a separate hand basin and toilet, which is available to those who are homeless or vulnerable.

Through the generosity of donors and church members we are able to provide everything needed to feel refreshed and help those who do not have the access to facilities in which to take care of their personal hygiene needs. We supply the shampoo, soap, towel, and other hygiene supplies. We will also be there to listen and offer advice on other means of practical assistance

As part of this ministry we can also offer those who are homeless, vulnerable, or on low income, the opportunity to wash and dry their clothes. 

Please call in and see us for more details. Or simply give us a call.

*This facility is available through appointment only either by contacting the church directly or through referral.

**Our shower facility programme is always in need of hygiene supplies. Donations would be welcome and appreciated! Products needed include shampoo & conditioner, soap, single use razors, toothbrushes & toothpaste.  Other hygiene supplies are always welcome such as hairbrushes & combs, shaving cream, conditioner, and feminine hygiene products. 

As a place of Sanctuary, The Salvation Army in Notting Hill seek to help with a range of issues being faced by our community Today:- 

It is our aim to address the root cause of need and restore independence to everyone, so that life can be lived to the full (John 10:10).

Please note that wherever we give practical assistance we will be asking for some basic personal details (name, DOB, address and contact number) and why you are needing the help, in order to be able to keep a record of the help that we are being asked for and what help we are providing. If you would like to know how we use your data, please click here.

Food

Whilst we do not currently offer an established Foodbank service we can:

• Refer you to a local Trussell Trust Foodbank and give information about other local foodbanks.
• Make an appointment with our Employment Plus Advice Service who can help with advice on benefits, money management, and employment and training.
• Depending on donations we may be able to provide a one-off bag of food in an emergency.

Energy costs

Whilst we do not currently offer energy top ups we can:

• Provide refreshments and meals during the week, a donation would be appreciated
• Signpost you to information about help with bills that is available elsewhere, such as from your energy supplier or local authority.
• Make an appointment with our Employment Plus Advice Service who can help with advice on benefits, money management, and employment and training.

Finding accommodation

Whilst we cannot refer you into accommodation or provide accommodation directly we can:

• Signpost you to advice on contacting your local authority in order to make a housing application.
• Provide other useful contact numbers for those who can help in finding accommodation.
• Provide refreshments and meals during the week, a donation would be appreciated
• Make an appointment with our Employment Plus Advice Service who can help with advice on benefits, money management, and employment and training.

Toiletries

We keep a stock of toiletries ranging from shower gels to shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, and more. We also currently provide sanitary towels and incontinence pads.

Therefore, we can:

• Provide you with a selection of toiletries (up to 4 times a year)
• Make an appointment with our Employment Plus Advice Service who can help with advice on benefits, money management, and employment and training.

We also have shower facilities which can be used when available. Please let us know if you are interested in making use of this.

Clothing – ask to visit the community wardrobe

We keep a stock of second-hand clothing for people of all ages and sizes. Clothing includes: t-shirts, jumpers, trousers, skirts, coats, shoes, hats, scarves and other accessories.

Therefore, we can:

• Provide a seasonal selection of clothing (up to three times per year)

Please note, that availability of clothing sizes and items depends on demand and supply which is primarily through donations.

Bedding

We sometimes have a stock of second-hand bedding sheets of all bed sizes, duvets, pillows and sleeping bags. 

Therefore, we can if available:

• Provide a selection of bedding (up to twice a year)

Please note, that availability of some bedding items depends on demand and supply which is primarily through donations.

Benefits, Money Management, Employment and Training 

Make an appointment with our Employment Plus Advice Service who can help with advice on benefits, money management, and employment and training.

The Salvation Army offer guidance with benefit queries and support to identify and overcome barriers to work.

The Salvation Army can also help people get a handle on what they owe and work alongside them to make a realistic plan for repaying their debts.

Our free debt advice service can contact creditors on a person’s behalf to explore and negotiate options like repayment holidays and more realistic repayment plans. Our debt advice centres support people with debt ranging from a few thousand pounds to many tens of thousands of pounds. For more details email thqdas@salvationarmy.org.uk. 

Most Friday’s we host Employment + 

Becoming part of a community where you are building your confidence, skills, and discovering new things about yourself – these are some of the positive benefits we’ve seen people gain from being in work, volunteering or taking part in a work-experience placement through the help of The Salvation Army. Find out more/employment-plus/local-support-jobseekers

The Corner Shop is located in a corner of our centre, and sells books, bric a brac, clothing, gifts and so much more. We do not sell electricals. All money raised goes to support the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Notting Hill. In addition we sell cards created by Handmade by Grace and Hope (search for them on facebook to see the wide range of cards available). The Corner Shop is accessed when our centre is open, so mainly on a Tuesday and Friday. 

Donations towards the shop would be gratefully received - we are looking for new or preloved items. 

We respectfully ask that any donations are of good quality. We have NO outlets to get rid of other peoples unwanted items that are not able to be sold. We are unable to collect. We are unable to take furnitire. We are unable to take electricals. 

OUR DOCTRINES  – what we believe 

The Salvation Army is a Christian organisation and part of the universal Christian Church.

Its message and the lifestyle it advocates are based on the Bible's teaching. Its work is to make known the good news about Jesus Christ and to persuade people to become his followers.

We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.

We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.

We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.

We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.

We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.

We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

OUR VALUES  – that which really matters to us 

Our identity, vision and God-given mission as disciples of Jesus Christ are shaped by the values of the Kingdom of God as we love God and love others, reaching for fullness of life for all with Jesus. Our values are reframed as statements of intent to assist us in how we live them out.

Boldness    

We will courageously and confidently seek to fulfil our five mission priorities: share the good news, seek justice and reconciliation, nurture disciples of Jesus, serve others without discrimination, care for creation;

Compassion    

We will serve with the unconditional love and grace of God as the pattern for our behaviour, with a bias to the poor and marginalised;

Passion    

We will bring our best selves, our God-given energies and our convictions to our work, service and learning, whether as officers, members, employees or volunteers;

Respect    

We will welcome each person with the dignity of those created in the image of God, valuing their diversity, seeking to serve each other’s flourishing and transformation within God’s love;

Integrity    

We will be honest and transparent in all our dealings with each other and those we serve, being open about our motives and agendas;

Mutual accountability   

 We will willingly and freely give full account for our actions to those we interact with and expect the same in return, recognising the link between individual responsibility and mutual accountability.

The Salvation Army believes in the importance of Safeguarding, and within all our local mission expressions, there is a requirement to adhere to the policies, procedures and practices relating to how we want to be a safe place. All our team are required to undergo Safeguarding awareness. 

Our Presence in Notting Hill

Present in Notting Hill from 1878, and situated on Portobello Road since 1924, the Salvation Army had discerned the need to show God’s love to the community of Notting Hill.

Notting Hill Corps opened as a Christian Mission station in 1878. As announced in the 1978 July edition of the ‘Christian Mission Magazine’.

OPENING OF A STATION AT NOTTING-HILL.

WITH the Victoria Hall, or Bijou Theatre, for Sundays, and two smaller places kindly lent us for weeknights, we have made a commencement, and after about a fortnight's work, heard of a real Mission Society over twenty strong, and of open-air an indoor service·, which give every promise of glorious doings ere long. Whereof more next month.

By ANNE HADDOCK

Notting Hill Corps moved into our current church on Portobello Road in 1924 - the grand opening event was attended by British Commissioner Florence Booth who led a stone-laying ceremony.

Today, we continue to be deeply involved in sharing life with people and being part of the Notting Hill community.

We are at the heart of the local community, providing a warm welcome and an offer of hope to everyone. Many of our programmes are run by volunteers, and whatever your skills or passions are we can find a role for you! 

There are opportunities to serve in our Sanctuary Project - Tuesday Cafe, Wednesday Lunch Club, Friday Cafe, Community Wardrobe, Community Garden. 

Please make contact with us for further information. 

We welcome people asking about using our building. Any hire that we accept must be in line with our values and mission. A hall hire license is required and we need to be aware of safeguarding policies. 

To enquire further, please contact the Community Centre Manager, Stuart McTurk at Notting.HIll@salvationarmy.org.uk 

Things are always changing, but here are some pictures of what you will find when you come to the Sanctuary. 

Are you looking to donate to Notting Hill Salvation Army? 

So many in our community are so kind and regularly donate a variety of things to us for passing on to those in need. This includes: money, clothing, food and toiletries. Here is a bit more information about what you can donate, when you can donate it and what happens to it.

Firstly, please note, we DO NOT accept: 

• furniture (of any size or type);
• mattresses, duvets or pillows (hygiene reasons);
• electrical items
• white goods.
• houseware 

Also note, we DO NOT have a collection service to pick up donations.

What can you donate?

MONETARY DONATION: If you are looking to make a monetary donation then you can do that by either calling during our opening hours: Tuesday 9.30-3pm, Friday 9.30-3.00pm. Please do not leave donations in front of the building unattended.

CLOTHING ITEMS:

• We accept: clothing and shoes (all ages and sizes).
• We ask that all clothing and bedding items should be clean and in good order; those that are not cannot be used to help others.
• Any clothing not suitable for our Community Wardrobe project or able to be passed on locally is sent to our warehouses in the UK to be recycled or redistributed to the Salvation Army charity shops across the UK.

BEDDING:

• We accept: bedding sheets (all types and sizes)
• We ask that it is clean and in good condition.
• We do not accept mattresses, duvets, sleeping bags or pillows, unless the item is new and still boxed / wrapped.
• Any bedding not suitable for our Community Wardrobe project or able to be passed on locally is sent to our warehouses in the UK to be recycled or redistributed to the Salvation Army charity shops across the UK.

TOILETRIES:

• We accept: soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wipes, toilet roll, tissues.

FOOD:

• We accept: non-perishable staples such as long life milk, pasta, rice, chopped tomatoes, breakfast cereals, tinned veg and fruit.
• We ask that any food donations are in date, unopened, unused.
• Although we do not operate a foodbank, we do provide an emergency food bag where needed and so it is helpful to have a little surplus food.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS: any money donated to the work of The Salvation Army in Notting Hill is invested in making a difference in the lives of others. If you wish to send a cheque to us this should be made out to The Salvation Army - Notting Hill. If you would like to give in some other form, you can donate via this web site,  or please contact us and we will do all we can to help make this possible. We are so grateful for your support in this way. It means so much.