From Homelessness to Helping Others: Missing Linkz Founder Celebrates First Romford Community Hub Open Day

23rd October 202623rd October 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Charity, Community Hub, Missing Linkz min read

Just one year after being homeless and battling a 12-year addiction, Missing Linkz CIC founder Daryll Theedom is now bringing organisations together to help others facing some of life’s toughest challenges. His first community hub open day in Romford welcomed 43 people seeking support, offering a place to turn for those struggling with homelessness, addiction, mental health difficulties and isolation.

Missing Linkz CIC held its first community hub open day at St Edwards Church in Romford on 22 October, bringing together local organisations to help members of the public with the challenges they face in everyday life.

The day welcomed 43 members of the public who registered with Missing Linkz.

Volunteers served 78 free cups of tea and coffee, alongside plenty of cake, creating a welcoming space where people could sit down, talk and connect with support.

Whether someone was facing homelessness, addiction, mental health difficulties, isolation or simply did not know where to turn, the aim was to help them take that first step.

Founder Daryll Theedom said:

“Having 43 people come through the doors and register with us shows why days like this matter. But even if just one person had walked in and found the help they needed, it would have made the whole day worthwhile.

“Sometimes a cup of tea, a piece of cake and someone taking the time to listen can be the beginning of a life-changing conversation.”

For Daryll, the occasion also marked a deeply personal milestone: sharing the day with his 11-year-old daughter, Patsy, a year after experiencing homelessness and being caught in a 12-year addiction and car theft.

He said:

“This time last year, I was homeless and stuck in an addiction that had controlled my life for 12 years.

“Today, I’m bringing organisations together to help other people, with my daughter joining me. That means more to me than words can explain.

“I know how difficult it can be to ask for help, especially when you don’t know where to start. Missing Linkz is about making those connections and helping people feel heard, supported and able to move forward.”

His daughter Patsy, aged 11, said:

“I’m really proud of my dad for turning his life around and helping other people. It was lovely to be part of the day with him and see what Missing Linkz is doing for the community. I enjoy going out at weekends to help him and the great team with their outreach work in and around Havering.”

The open day brought together Mind mental health, HOPEC, Youthrive, St Edwards Church, Change Chip, Romford Street Sleepers and Tapestry.

Daryll paid tribute to everyone who helped make the event possible:

“A huge thank you to our volunteers, Citrida and Ray, for their time, care and commitment, and to every organisation that joined us. Thank you to St Edwards Church for hosting us and helping create a welcoming space for the community.

“I also want to give a special thank you to Carly, Lucy and Anton for all their help with the planning. Bringing people together takes a team, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported this vision.”

Missing Linkz CIC will build on the first event with two further pilot community hubs:

12 November 2026: Bowbells Cafe, Romford Shopping Hall.

12 December 2026: Hope Cafe.

Following the pilots, Missing Linkz hopes to secure Havering Council’s backing and suitable premises for a permanent community hub accessible seven days a week.

The vision is to bring practical support, regular groups and activities from different organisations together under one roof.

Daryll added:

“These pilot days are the beginning of something we hope can make a lasting difference in Romford. Our ambition is a hub where people can find support throughout the week, build connections and take part in groups run by different organisations.

“We hope the council will work with us to turn that ambition into a permanent home for community support. My own journey shows that lives can change. We want to help more people find their next step.”

Missing Linkz CIC — Connecting People. Changing Lives.