SLAP Daily Drop In

SLAP (Street Level Access Programme) is the main portal for people in the community seeking support through the work of Connect Elim and partners. The project, which is partly staffed by volunteers, started in 2003 with a vision to offer food, clothing and general support for rough sleepers and adults struggling with addiction and life controlling issues. 

SLAP is essentially a befriending programme delivered through a daily drop in at the Elim Connect Centre, 12-2pm, Sunday to Friday (with cooked lunch on a Wednesday). Our approach is to provide genuine love and non-judgemental support to anyone who contacts us. We operate as part of a multi-agency approach with cross referrals and support.

Our range of services include the following:

Emergency clothing and support for rough sleepers

We usually carry a range of second hand and new clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and daily necessities. Our experienced team are also able to advise on longer-term needs and emergency cold weather provision. We also offer a laundry service and a place to wash and freshen up. We can also access emergency food and supplies parcels.

Accommodation advice

Our experienced team in connection with our partners can help you with your emergency and longer-term housing needs.

Employment services

We recognise that long-term unemployment is a real issue. Working with a number of expert partners, we can help you out of the benefits trap and back to work.

Addictions and life controlling issues

We provide safe and non-judgemental support for anyone affected by substance misuse and self-harm. We and our partners offer:

• Recovery support in addictions
• Relapse prevention counselling
• Referrals to Rehab units and agencies
• Advocacy
• Individual and group work
• Community based support groups (New Beginnings)

Signposting & advocacy support

In connection with our many partners we have access to and knowledge of a huge number of community services. With so many support options spread out across the county it can be confusing and difficult to access the right services. Let up help you to locate the right help and support your application, seeing it through to completion. Support can include, help with form filling and letter writing, phone calls and face-to-face meetings.

Mail Collection Scheme

If you require a postal address (for the receipt of benefits, medical appointments or other correspondence), but don’t have your own one, why not use ours! There is no need to register for the scheme but we do require production of Photo ID for you to validate your identity when collecting mail. Mail can be collected at the daily 12-2pm drop in. The following secure address must be used for this service:
Elim Mail Collection Scheme, PO Box 3484, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2ZN

Computer services

We have 5 internet and Microsoft Office ready PC’s available for free access. If you need access to a computer to search for accommodation, jobs, support services or any other reason please book a slot via the daily 12-2pm drop in or contact us.

Mentoring

We have a team of experienced mentors who can give you time and encouragement on working towards your goals. For more information on our New Beginnings programme, click here.

Counselling

Connect Counselling is a professional service offering a range of counselling services. Click here for more information.

We have partnerships with the following agencies:

• AA
• Betel
• DANOS
• Faithworks
• Flourish Homes
• Genesis Process
• Gilead Foundation
• In Touch Project
• Life for the World
• Livingstone House
• Maximus Employment & Training
• McGarvery Fellowship
• Mendip District Council
• Mendip YMCA
• Mentoring & Befriending Foundation
• Novas Scarman Group
• Prospects
• Somerset Country Council
• Turning Point
• Wells Vineyard Centre