I’m Darek (DAH-rek Kar-VAT-skee) and I am delighted to join Woolwich Service Users Project as a new CEO!
With over 15 years of experience working with individuals facing homelessness — including victims of domestic abuse, modern slavery, human trafficking, refugees and failed asylum seekers — I bring a deep commitment to this cause. My journey has taken me through exciting projects that blend empathy and innovation, including street outreach, assessment, specialist services for people with migration experiences, and senior leadership management.
In recent years, my focus has been on co-designing, developing and managing services for people experiencing street homelessness in London. I am passionate about finding and implementing innovative approaches to reduce injustice and poverty, and I believe in the power of openness, professional ethics and radical pedagogy — educating institutions by listening to the lived experiences of individuals. I value professional and lived experience equally. With people, I create a safe space to practice curiosity, increase our capacity to listen and share knowledge.
I am excited to lead such a dedicated team at Woolwich Service Users Project.
In my free time, I enjoy riding my motorcycle, playing bass guitar, and working on a family-owned apple and cherry farm.
David Cordery, WSUP Trustee says: “WSUP is extremely fortunate to have secured the services of Darek Karwacki as CEO, initially working two days per week. Darek brings a wealth of experience in the homeless charity sector, having worked with both large and small organisations nationally and locally in Greenwich. His addition to the management team is a significant step, and we are confident that under his leadership, our charity is well positioned to thrive.
“The Board of Trustees welcomes Darek and looks forward to working with him to extend WSUP’s reach, serving even more people during their time of critical need.”