Eliz Hopkins

Leap into Action: Wolverhampton’s Beacon of Hope

As it was leap day yesterday, we thought we would take a closer look at this peer to peer project at Good Shepherd Wolverhampton seeking to support people with a lived experience of homelessness. Wolverhampton, a city known for its resilience and community spirit, has witnessed the rise of an extraordinary initiative that’s transforming lives […]

The Black Country Foodbank publish their 2023 impact report.

Since its inception in June 2006 at Chawn Hill Church in Stourbridge, the Black Country Foodbank (BCFB) has been steadfast in its commitment as a Christian-based charitable organisation to aiding those in need. Fast forward to the end of 2023, the BCFB has remarkably expanded its reach, boasting a comprehensive network of 26 food banks […]

The Day in the Life as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor – IDVA FOR ALL 

An IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) is a specialist professional who works with victims of domestic abuse to develop a trusting relationship. Their primary role is to provide support to individuals who are at high risk of serious harm due to domestic violence. Here are some key aspects of an IDVA’s role: 1) Safety and […]

Dudley’s Poverty Summit #3

In April 2024, Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (Dudley CVS) and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) will be joint hosting the third Poverty Summit. They have been running annually since 2022 and aim to bring together colleagues across the system working with people in poverty or those who are just about managing. The summit aims […]

Dudley’s Community Toothbrush Scheme

How can a toothbrush make a difference for people experiencing homelessness or poverty? You might not think that a toothbrush is a big deal, but for some people, it can make a significant difference to their health and well-being. That’s why Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council launched a community toothbrush scheme to help people who are […]

Partnership Project Brings Historic Building Back To Life

An innovative new project involving the Good Shepherd, Wolves Foundation and the City of Wolverhampton Council has opened its doors at the historic Queen’s Building in the City Centre.     The Central Community Shop, a flagship store among a network of community shops the council has pioneered across the city, will offer residents of Wolverhampton the […]

Christmas Cards that Count – St Basils at the German Market

By Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications at St Basils In the heart of Birmingham’s bustling business district, St Basils is transforming the St Philips Cathedral Christmas Market into a haven of hope this festive season. They’re thrilled to announce their return to the Christmas charity chalet, graciously offered by St Philips Cathedral from […]

Give Help Campaign launches in the West Midlands

The Street Support Give Help Campaign launches in the West Midlands Did you know today is #GivingTuesday ? It seems a perfect day to launch our Street Support West Midlands #GiveHelp campaign.  Organisations across the region have listed what they need, be it items, time, or funding to help prevent people from becoming homeless, or […]

Black Country Foodbank: Reverse Advent Calendar

Black Country Foodbank have launched their Reverse Advent Calendar full of ideas and items that can make a difference to people struggling with food poverty and the cost of living this winter.  What does “reverse advent calendar” mean? Most calendars comprised a series of doors or windows to open, revealing a picture, small chocolate or […]

Training offer: Understanding loss and grief in the homeless sector

  In September 2023 Birmingham Hospice and Crisis Skylight Birmingham partnered to pilot a new training programme “Understanding loss and grief in the homeless sector”.   The three-hour bereavement awareness training programme was co-designed with agencies who support those experiencing homelessness and is currently being run FREE of charge across Birmingham and Solihull.  Feedback from the […]