Stephen House
What is Stephen House, Ludlow?
Stephen House is the first facility of its kind in South Shropshire, offering those in need a warm welcome and a listening ear.
As part of the mission programme of St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Stephen House has been created to help the lonely, the homeless, those facing financial difficulties and those who feel they have nowhere else to turn.
Where is Stephen House?
Stephen House is at 2 College Street, Ludlow directly behind St Laurence’s Church. It’s the blue house with the royal blue door.
What does Stephen House provide?
Emergency day facilities – from a hot drink and a chat with a member of the team to more practical help. Stephen House will be a place to clean up, shower and change, to rest and stay dry and warm, to have a hot meal and above all to talk so that we can help individuals to find a way forward. We can guide them towards short-term solutions, put them in touch with local charities and agencies across the region that can provide specialist longer-term support and guidance.
A safe place – where people of all ages know they will be treated with respect, regardless of their circumstances, listened to and supported to become the best people they can be.
How do I make contact?
Stephen House provides an appointment-based service only so initial contact should be made by phone 07785 254568 or email paul.kemp@stlaurences.org.uk.
On Monday 11 November Paul Kemp started in his new role as full-time Lay Pastoral Worker .
Paul’s work from Stephen House will grow organically depending on the needs which emerge. His initial focus will be on introducing himself to local community groups and statutory bodies, building on existing links and developing new ones. His work will be complementary to the work of these groups, helping people in crisis find the support they need, be that at local, county or national level.
At the same time Paul will be looking for opportunities to strengthen the links between the community and the church. These will include work with local schools, the Wednesday morning drop-in at St John’s and a new family-focused Sunday afternoon service.
How was Stephen House named?
Stephen House is a memorial project for a dear friend and colleague of St Laurence’s, Stephen Treasure. Stephen was very conscious of the pressures facing Ludlow and many families and individuals in the community. He had a vision to create a haven, a place of safety to help and support them, making a real difference in their lives.
In memory of Stephen hundreds of local people have given their time, money and support to secure a 99-year lease on the building at 2 College Street, Ludlow, to carry out renovations making it fit for purpose and to put in place the resources needed to deliver its mission. Almost £500,000 has been raised, showing the importance the community attaches to the work of Stephen House.
How will my donation be used?
All donations are ring-fenced for use on the Stephen House project. The building is fully fitted out and there is funding in place to cover overheads and to employ a dedicated lay pastoral worker for an initial period. So you can be confident that 100% of your donation will go directly towards helping those in need, for instance to the cost of providing a hot meal, the purchase of warm clothing or a new sleeping bag or the fare to a shelter …
Stephen House, Ludlow
Making the difference in a crisis
- Open to all – a welcoming place for those in any kind of need
- A place for everyone to take time out and to find a way forward
- 100% of every donation will go to the work of Stephen House in the Ludlow community
- Every £ given will be invested in improving the life of someone in crisis
You can donate in the church by cash –
label a gift aid envelope “Stephen House”, insert your cash and drop the envelope into a donation box
or by cheque –
made payable to “Ludlow PCC – Stephen House” and post it or drop it off at Stephen House, 2 College St, Ludlow SY8 1AN
You can donate directly to Stephen House Mission at any time by BACS.
The Parish Church of Ludlow St Laurence
Account name “Stephen House Mission”
Sort Code: 20-53-22 Account No.: 90530409
If you are a UK taxpayer, do please boost your donation amount by 25% by completing a gift aid form.
Click here to download a Gift Aid form. Complete and email it to