Ethos and Values

The work carried out at the Wayside Day Centre is influenced by the values and beliefs upon which the Wayside Club was founded and which continue to both shape our service provision and provide the framework within which our service is delivered.

The Day Centre seeks to uphold general Christian principles. It does not engage in direct evangelism but, in addition to meeting material and emotional needs, seeks to provide opportunities for people to explore their spiritual needs in its provision of a holistic service.

Some volunteers and staff members are motivated in their work at the Day Centre by their Christian commitment. In serving people who are marginalised, they will see themselves as serving Christ. His example challenges us to respond both sensitively and generously to the often complex needs of people who are homeless recognising their vulnerability and the struggles they face.

The Day Centre recognises that many people of different faiths and beliefs may adopt a similar approach to working with people affected by homelessness. In recognising and valuing the diversity and talent that they bring, it seeks to welcome and actively encourage the involvement of people of different cultures, faiths and philosophies who are committed to working with people who are disadvantaged and who wish to play their part in responding to the problem of homelessness.

In striving to meet our aims and objectives, we are committed to:

Respecting the inherent dignity of every person
In respecting the unique worth of every person and the sanctity of all human life, we seek to create an environment where there is acceptance for each person's individuality and where everyone's unique talent is recognised and valued.

Meeting the needs of the whole person by offering an holistic service
We seek to provide a holistic service which recognises the complexity of people's needs and which offers opportunities to explore these needs.

Working in partnership with people affected by homelessness
Our belief that we are all linked by a common strand of humanity and vulnerability demands that the approach to our work be one of solidarity. We are all part of one another's healing and wholeness whatever our reason is for being at the Wayside.

Enabling people to fulfil their potential
By adopting a needs-led approach to our work and by promoting a spirit of self-help and de-institutionalisation, we seek to provide opportunities to empower and enable people to realise their full potential.

Working with hope
In playing our part in restoring dignity and self-worth, we seek to bring hope for a better future to the people with whom we work.

Ensuring equality of opportunity
In seeking to prevent discrimination on grounds of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, disability and belief, we aim to provide equal access to jobs and training for our staff and to the services on offer for the people who use the Day Centre.