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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
There cannot be many people in the UK who have never seen or heard of the Big Issue. Maybe you have seen one of the thousands of vendors selling the latest issue on high streets up and down the UK; maybe you have purchased one, or have a subscription. Founded in 1991, the Big Issue […]
by Keeley Jones, Deputy CEO/Operations Manager This coming winter, we are hoping to support as many individuals and families in our local communities with essential items. Christmas is the season of goodwill, when we see so much generosity and kindness, and have the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people, community groups, faith groups and […]
Change into Action is the online giving platform in the West Midlands that supports vulnerable people and can act as an alternative to giving cash to people begging on the streets. Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council works in partnership with multiple organisations such as CHADD and Dudley CVS to ensure that the money is used to […]
The Places of Welcome movement has been growing rapidly across the UK including having a presence in over 15 locations in the Dudley local authority area.The settings for the Place of Welcome are often already established community centres, coffee mornings, libraries etc that have chosen to become part of the network. A Place of Welcome […]
A day in the life of a youth hub support worker? It’s safe to say no two days are the same. It’s fast paced, unpredictable, and ever changing. The youth hub is based within Dudley’s homelessness team, and supports young people aged 18-25 if they find themselves facing homelessness. There are a number of different […]
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