" A couple of years ago I was nationally recognised for my work in dealing with young people with anti social behaviour problems, ex offenders and young offenders at risk of re-offending.  The hardest part was expressing the passion we have for these kids.  "  - Pat Coates The Washing Well Founder

The Washing Well was set up as a way to reach the community and let them know that life was about ‘choices’

The more The Washing Well became involved with the community the more they realised that the ‘Agencies’ were not having any impact on the ‘hoodies’, whilst the agencies had a certain amount of success, the real kids needing help were being left out.  All the youth clubs, trips and sporting facilities was not touching the kids in real need, only creaming off the best, leaving them lost and afraid. By not meeting these kids on their terms, the agencies were not engaging with the most lost and afraid.

The Launderette had a passion to work with the ‘hoodies’ yes the scary kids.  At the end of the day, the kids just needed a place to hang out, and someone to talk to them on their own terms, someone to listen, not judge and just love them with no strings attached.  The more the company listened the more they understood that behind every ‘hoody’ is an individual’s story, generally of no hope, and a feeling of being rejected by society, and probably the only road to take is crime.  They were shocked at what they saw, the level of fear, physical and emotional deprivation and non existent parenting that some of the kids were coping with.

The Washing Well Launderette realised very quickly the very heart of their problems was emotional, the main need was to love these guys no matter what they had done.  At the end of the day these young people just wanted to be accepted unconditionally.

This laundry has become the place, where the kids can get a hot or cold drink, use the computer, have someone to talk to, and just have undivided attention.  Whilst working they encourage the kids to work alongside them, washing, drying, folding, cleaning the premises, ordering stock, banking and balancing the petty cash. 

The Washing Well are involved in helping equip these you people with life skills, and they actively seek employment to allow them to make ‘choices’ about their lives and their future.

The Washing Well receives no financial support from outside funders and all of their projects are financed through the profits of the laundry.  They have a full time volunteer youth worker living above our laundry, Bob Cole.  Bob is a well known graffiti artist and works tirelessly to engage with the kids on the street.

WebDesign by Computing Resolved Torquay