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 […]
Street Support West Midlands is proud to spotlight the urgent call from YMCA Black Country for host families to provide safe accommodation for vulnerable young people. This initiative aims to address a critical shortage in the area, offering a lifeline to individuals aged 18 to 25 who cannot live with their families. Supporting Young People […]
Tucked away in the back streets of Digbeth, Birmingham, SIFA Fireside is making a significant impact on the lives of those facing homelessness. Over the past few years, this committed organisation has transformed its services to better meet the needs of people experiencing rough sleeping and other forms of homelessness. From providing vital support like […]
What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)? The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a fantastic initiative aimed at helping people who are struggling with housing-related costs. Whether it’s rent, utility bills, or essential household items, the HSF is here to provide a helping hand. It’s managed by local councils within the West Midlands Combined Authority […]
A Christmas Message from Street Support Chelmsford As we approach Christmas, we want to take a moment to thank all the organisations and individuals we’ve worked with this year. Your hard work and dedication have made a real difference, and we couldn’t do what we do without you. We also know that Christmas can be […]
Are you facing a tough time this Christmas? Walsall is holding a special event called Caring Christmas especially for families and individuals who are struggling financially or feeling alone during the holidays. What is Caring Christmas? Caring Christmas is a warm and welcoming event where you can connect with others, enjoy a delicious free meal, […]
Last week I had the privilege of attending an event held in the Birmingham Peace Gardens to remember those who had died whilst experiencing homelessness. I joined around fifty people in the snow-scatter Peace Gardens to mark this first-of-its-kind memorial. Around me were friends and family of those who had died, lead workers, homelessness sector […]
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