Salvation Army, Thornton Heath

May 23rd, 2022

As someone who has lived in Thornton Heath for most of my life, I was very excited to learn of the Toddler playgroup sessions that the Salvation Army were running. I turned up today to the 'drop-in' session which was advertised from 10am-11.30am. I called the centre at 8.30am to ask about times, whether it was first come, first served and to ask about any covid measures that were in place. No answer. I left a voicemail and tried ringing again at 9am. No answer again. We arrived at 10.30am thinking all would okay and was met at the front door by a lady stating that they were full so we would not be allowed in. I then proceeded to explain that I tried calling and have been checking their facebook page for announcements stating whether they were at full capacity-nothing was advertised. I was met with lack of sympathy whilst my toddler was crying. The lady kept repeating "I don't know what you want me to say- our phone isn't manned and we don't update our page." The conversation ended with a smile and I asked how can we avoid this in the future, to which the lady said, "be here for 10 next time." We then went back to our car and tried to get ready to leave. Another lady then came out and she started shouting at myself and my husband saying that I was rude to her volunteer! I tried to explain that I was simply asking the lady questions and was then accused of swearing at the first lady! My husband intervened stating that her behaviour was unprofessional and we were then told that we won't be allowed to come back! Appalling customer service considering the ethical background of the Salvation Army- at the very least, the second lady should have asked what happened before and explained calmly, not come out all guns blazing and accusatory. Very disappointed.
Jun 13th, 2021

Great charity
Apr 20th, 2020

Feb 8th, 2020

Good parking n good space for functions
Nov 24th, 2019