Members and supporters of ‘Change into Action Solihull’, have renewed their call for residents to get behind the campaign and support local people who are faced with the prospect of rough sleeping.
Since the campaign was launched in 2019, nearly £70,000 has been raised and more than £51,000 of this has been awarded to local organisations enabling them to give additional specialist help. In recent months these have included grants to help support young homeless people with food, travel and essential items and flooring for a tenant in their first home after being homeless.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Mark Parker, said: “This year we saw a decrease in our rough sleeping figures. This is testament to the work of the council’s Rough Sleeper Outreach team alongside the other countless heroes in the many statutory and voluntary sector agencies across Solihull.
“Working together to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping is key and I am very pleased to support and thank all those involved at St Basils, Solihull BID, CAVA, SiAS, Touchwood, Solihull Churches Action on Homelessness, Change into Action and of course staff who provide support at the West Midlands Combined Authority, Solihull Community Housing and Solihull Council.
“Residents can help us continue to reduce rough sleeping and homelessness by contacting Streetlink if you see someone who you think is sleeping rough. They collect all the details for us and make sure our outreach team give the right support.
“If you’re able, please get behind Change into Action Solihull. Look out for supporters of the campaign at events over the summer, donate online or make a donation at one of the collection points in Solihull town centre and help with additional support for people in need.”
Steven Coney, PR Manager for Solihull BID, added: “Solihull BID have been big supporters of the homeless campaign Change into Action since its inception and it’s fantastic to see how much money has been raised to help those in need in Solihull.
“We are proud to have raised and donated £6,668 ourselves to Change into Action over the past few years thanks to the generosity of our brilliant business community as well as the supportive Solihull locals through events like our Jingle Bell Jog.”
Useful websites and phone numbers –
- To report someone who you think is sleeping rough, contact Streetlink at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ (If you use the what3words app that is especially helpful.) They will pass the details to our outreach team.
- To make a donation to Change into Action Solihull – which funds additional help with people who are homeless - visit www.changeintoaction.org.uk/solihull or donate at one of the collection points in Solihull town centre - The Woods, Paramo Lounge and Revital on High Street, Vita in Mell Square, Touchwood information desk and car park.
- To contact Solihull Community Housing for emergency provision, call 0121 717 1515 (24/7)
- To find local help or make a donation anywhere in the West Midlands visit - Street Support West Midlands - Street Support Network
- If you think someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.