A Cup of Tea with…Josh Brown

Headline Date 07-01-2018

A cup of tea with… where we sit down and chat with those who make Victoria what it is. People with a passion for Victoria, people who live or work here and know the area, its history and its future better than anyone else.

This month we talk to Josh Brown, Project Manager, Community Partnerships at The Passage.

How long have you been working in Victoria?

I’ve been working at The Passage in Victoria for over three years, since August 2014.

London’s a busy area that’s always improving and adapting. What would you say is the biggest change you have experienced in Victoria?

The Nova Development was well underway by the time I arrived, but when I first got to The Passage there were plans afoot to fully refurbish the Passage in Carlisle Place. We spent 18 months moving around the impressive building, avoiding different phases of the work being undertaken. It was finally completed in April 2016, and the difference from the run down homeless day centre we had to the Resource Centre we have now with Conference Space and a Roof Garden is amazing.

What is your favourite spot in Victoria?

The Passage Roof Garden is great, it’s high enough above the streets for a bit of peace and quiet. Especially in the summer, it’s a great place to go for lunch and to catch a bit of sunshine. In the wintertime it’s great to enjoy the view with a warming cup of tea or hot chocolate.

If you could change something in Victoria, what would it be?

There are two things I’d change: the first is all the traffic pollution, followed by reducing homelessness in the area.

What is your favourite story?

My favourite story has to be of one of our clients at The Passage. He came in with his life in pieces, completely torn apart. He began working with us and managed to turn his life around. Since then he’s got a new flat, a new job and things are finally working out for him.

What is your message for the people out there in Victoria?

Enjoy Victoria and understand that there is support here for everyone, no matter who you are. The help is there for those who want it, so please engage with these services.

What is the biggest issue/challenge that Victoria is facing?

That would definitely be the on-going construction projects.

What is your favourite lunchtime spot?

Up on the roof at the Passage Resource Centre. The view is just stunning!