A new resource launched by Birmingham City Council and Spring Housing Association this month is shining a long-overdue light on the vital issue of how people experiencing homelessness are impacted by period poverty, and what frontline organisations can do to support them with dignity. The Period Literacy Toolkit, authored by Thea Raisbeck, Head of Research […]
For many women trying to turn their lives around—whether they’re facing long-term unemployment, housing insecurity, or rebuilding after a crisis—the first step towards stability is getting into work. That’s where Smart Works Birmingham comes in. Smart Works is a UK charity with a simple, powerful mission: to help women feel confident and prepared for job […]
This July, Barnardo’s is launching a new round of its JOBS Project in Coventry—a programme that’s not just about getting young people into work, but about building their confidence, giving them skills for life, and offering real chances at long-term employment. Led by Arun Shoker, Project Worker for Banardos, the JOBS Project is an 8-week […]
After nearly 20 years supporting people to better understand and manage their money, the charity formerly known as MyBnk has a new name: Money Ready. The new name comes with a fresh look, but the goal remains the same—helping people feel confident and in control when it comes to their finances. Why the change? The […]
Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025 runs from 19–25 May, and this year’s theme, “We’re here whenever you’re ready”, emphasises a compassionate, non-judgemental approach to supporting individuals affected by illegal money lending. In the West Midlands, as in many regions, people facing financial hardship or at risk of homelessness are particularly vulnerable to illegal lenders. Loan […]
A Visit to the West Midlands Multibank: One Month On and Already Making an Impact In April 2025, I had the opportunity to visit the West Midlands Multibank, a new initiative managed by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC). It had been open just a month, and I was eager to see how it was taking […]
In the heart of Birmingham, a vital NHS service is making a big difference to those without a place to call home. The Homeless Health Exchange (HeX) has long been a cornerstone of health support for people experiencing homelessness, insecure housing, or seeking asylum in the city. Now, it’s entering a new chapter. From William […]
In most sectors, AI is already part of the toolkit. It’s helping teams cut admin, spot trends, and connect systems that never used to talk to each other. In homelessness services, we’ve barely begun. Even with all the pressure of rising need, shrinking budgets and overworked teams, we’re still doing so much manually. Paper notes. […]
by Matt Lambert Some of the best homelessness support doesn’t come from big organisations. It comes from the independent, local organisations: faith groups, community centres, local charities. The ones we come face-to-face with when we seek help are often the ones we actually trust. When someone’s struggling, they don’t always walk into a council office […]
At Street Support Chelmsford, we’re always inspired by the incredible work of local organisations tackling homelessness head-on, and today, we’re thrilled to spotlight a monumental milestone from CHESS Homeless. A Game-Changing Moment for the Turning Point Project CHESS Homeless has shared an exciting update about their Turning Point Project, and it’s a game changer. After […]
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