What we do
Practical support that helps people move forward
The Upper Room provides immediate practical help and longer-term opportunities for people facing crisis, exclusion and instability in West London.
Our work combines food, essentials, one-to-one support, trusted relationships and confidence-building programmes.
Why it matters
People come to The Upper Room at moments when practical problems can quickly become deeper crises.
A meal, a form completed, a phone call made, a driving lesson, or a trusted conversation can help someone feel less alone and more able to move forward.
Food, essentials and frontline support
UR4Meals provides hot meals, takeaways, essentials and practical frontline support for people experiencing homelessness, food poverty, housing instability, isolation and crisis.
It is often the first point of contact for people who need help quickly and respectfully.
Help Hub
One-to-one practical support
The Help Hub offers one-to-one support with benefits, housing, immigration, digital access, forms, correspondence, financial issues and signposting.
It helps people deal with immediate barriers and take the next practical step.
Driving, employability and confidence
UR4Driving supports prison leavers, people with convictions and young people at risk to build confidence, gain a driving licence and move towards training, volunteering, employment and independence.
UR4Driving: a structured programme
Who’s it for?
UR4Driving is designed for adults with previous criminal convictions who are ready to take the next step towards employment and a more positive future. The programme is for people who are committed to making a change, willing to engage with support, and prepared to invest the time and effort needed to succeed.
To be eligible, you must:
- Have a previous criminal conviction and be committed to overcoming the barriers this presents to sustainable employment.
- Have been released from custody, or completed your sentence, within the last five years.
- Live in a London borough.
- Hold a valid UK provisional driving licence.
- Be able to provide a risk assessment letter from your Probation Officer or another appropriate professional (such as a social worker).
- Be willing to meet the programme’s participation requirements.
Please note: Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from anyone who has already passed their driving theory test.
UR4Driving support is arranged by appointment. Please contact us for current availability and opening hours.
Apply or Refer
Applying to UR4Driving is straightforward. Applications must be supported by a referring professional, such as a Probation Officer, Social Worker or other recognised support worker.
Step 1 – Check you’re eligible
Before applying, make sure you meet our eligibility criteria.
Step 2 – Complete the application
Download and complete the Application Form. Your referrer will need to complete the relevant section.
Step 3 – Complete the Risk Assessment
Your referrer must complete the Risk Assessment Form.
> Download Risk Assessment Form
Step 4 – Send us your application
Email your completed Application Form and Risk Assessment to:
📧 ur4driving@theupperroom.org.uk
or post them to:
The Upper Room, St Saviour’s Church, Cobbold Road, London, W12 9LN
What to expect
1
Initial Meeting
Meet the team, discuss your goals and find out how the programme works.
2
Learning & Development
Attend workshops, build your skills and complete your voluntary hours.
3
Theory Test
Prepare for and take your driving theory test with our support.
4
Driving Lessons
Learn with a qualified instructor and work towards your practical test.
5
Moving Forward
Receive ongoing support into employment, training or mentoring opportunities.
Interested in UR4Meals?
UR4Meals provides hot meals, takeaways, essentials and practical frontline support for people facing homelessness, food poverty, housing instability and crisis.
The service runs from 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
If you would like to volunteer with UR4Meals, please complete our volunteer application form.
You can also see upcoming community events and activities on our What’s On page.
Support our work
We welcome support from funders, companies, local organisations, volunteers and referral partners who want to help people in West London move from crisis towards stability and opportunity.