Member Article

Lotus Sanctuary launches first Lotus Living Hub in Bilston

Lotus Sanctuary, the community interest company specialising in housing and empowering those who are facing homelessness, has just launched its very first venture into the retail space in Bilston.

The organisation, which will celebrate its fourth anniversary later this year, provides transitional supported housing and has helped over 1,000 vulnerable people since its inception. What began with providing a safe home for vulnerable women suffering with different issues – from substance misuse issues to domestic violence – has grown rapidly to provide over 2,300 beds across 60 local authorities and seven regions nationwide. Currently, Lotus Sanctuary provides six bed spaces in the Bilston area.

Working on a donation basis, the Lotus Living Hub, which is centrally located on Daisy Street, is now calling for locals to donate well looked after, pre-loved items which can be resold in-store.

The space is also set to act as a local drop-in hub for those in need of Lotus Sanctuary’s services, serving as a safe space for locals to receive any support and information they may need.

The Bilston site will create voluntary job roles for local Lotus Sanctuary residents, helping them get back onto a positive path, and all volunteers will be guaranteed an interview for any paid job openings that become available. Roles (volunteer and paid) are also open to any non-residents who wish to become part of the Lotus team.

Keen to maintain this growth and continue the wrap around support it offers residents, Lotus Sanctuary plans to roll out Lotus Living stores across the UK in the coming months. The income generated in the Lotus Living stores will be reinvested into the business, so that it can continue to provide homes for those most in need.

Gurpaal Singh-Judge, Founder and CEO of Lotus Sanctuary, said: “What started out as a regular flat viewing with the intention of expanding our housing capacity, has grown into something much bigger for Lotus Sanctuary. The opening of our Bilston Hub marks an exciting next step for the business and will enable us to help even more people in need in our local communities.

“The opportunity to volunteer in Lotus Living stores will help to rehabilitate residents, offering them the chance to develop skills and empowering them with the confidence needed to rebuild their lives and continue their journey onwards and upwards.”

David Underwood, Head of Retail at Lotus Living, added: “It was fantastic to finally launch our Bilston Hub. To see the local community get together and learn about the important work that Lotus Sanctuary does – and really get behind us – was great.

“The Lotus Living concept will make a real difference to the lives of current and future Lotus Sanctuary residents, helping us to help more vulnerable people out of homelessness.”

Creating opportunities for the vulnerable and jobs for locals, Lotus Living has plans to expand its retail offering to 10-15 stores by 2023 and beyond.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nathan Stennett .