Cllr Clare Holland OBE, Leader of Lambeth Council, who recently visited the centre with fellow councillors, spent time speaking with regular guests and staff about the challenges people face every day — and the difference consistent support can make. She said:
“Ace of Clubs is a lifeline for so many of the guests we have met today. It supports some of the most vulnerable people in our borough and beyond, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
“The centre is an example of what can be achieved when different parts of the community — residents, volunteers, businesses, charities — work together for the common good. “
Ace of Clubs has been supporting people experiencing homelessness, hardship and social isolation in Lambeth and surrounding areas for over 30 years. Every weekday, including public holidays, the centre opens its doors to people in the community who are homeless and facing adversity and need support — no forms, vouchers or referrals are required.
If they can manage it, visitors are asked to contribute £1 for the food services provided – including a hot meal. This not only helps support the service but also enables guests to feel a sense of value through their contribution. Many guests also go on to volunteer too.
Heidi Shrimpton, Director at Ace of Clubs, said:
“We can support up to 200 people every day – helping them with food, showers, laundry, clothing, physical and mental health, IT and other daily advice and support needs. Without the generous help of our partners and the wider community, we would be unable to meet this growing demand.
“Support for services like Ace of Clubs is needed all year round, not just in winter. Year-round volunteering and donations are what truly change lives. We are deeply grateful to our community, whose support has sustained us for over 30 years.
“If you haven’t yet discovered Ace of Clubs, we encourage you to get in touch and see our daily work in action. We always welcome new individuals and groups into the Ace community.”
More than a meal
Ace of Clubs is a community support centre offering practical help, dignity and connection. The charity provides over 38,000 hot meals each year, supported by a small staff team and an army of dedicated volunteers.
In addition to the hot lunch, guests have access to showers and laundry facilities, warm clothing and support from dedicated caseworkers who offer advice on a range of areas such as housing and education. Within the newly refurbished IT suite, guests receive help with job applications and accessing government support. The centre also provides access to an NHS dentist, nurse, podiatry and eye care.
It was originally set up in 1995 by the Redemptorist Catholic religious order, including the clergy and congregation of St Mary’s Catholic church in Clapham, in response to the high volume of vulnerable people who sought help from the church.
The centre is supported by a range of funders and partners who donate food, clothing, volunteer time and financial support, allowing the charity to focus on delivering the best possible care for those who need it most.
Cllr Holland added:
“Ace of Clubs helps people find routes out of homelessness through practical support — from acquiring computing skills to healthcare and help with applying for government assistance. This kind of joined-up help is essential.
“We know that local people have a lot of concerns about homelessness in Lambeth and desperately want to see everyone have a roof over their head. I share those concerns, and that’s why we continue to protect funding for a 7-day a week outreach service to do just that. Last year, over 200 rough sleepers were helped off the streets, thanks to Lambeth Council and voluntary organisations like Ace of Clubs.”
One guest, Jose, said over a cup of hot chocolate:
“People see us queuing outside the centre and make judgements, but I have worked all my life when I can. Things have been hard, but this place makes me feel like I have worth. The people here don’t judge; they just want to help.”
How you can help
In addition to financial donations, Ace of Clubs relies on gifts in kind such as new underwear, socks, warm clothing, sleeping bags, and food items.
They are also keen to welcome new volunteers and corporate teams for one-off volunteering opportunities.
Donations can be made between 9am and 4:30pm on weekdays at:
Ace of Clubs, St Alphonsus Road, London SW4 7AS.
Tel: 020 7720 2811
Email: info@aceofclubs.org.uk
For a full list of what you can donate and other ways to help, visit the Ace of Clubs website. Ace of Clubs
