Grant supports Newcastle homelessness project

A mutual is backing a vital homelessness support service with a new round of community funding.

Newcastle Building Society has awarded £3000 to North East charity Changing Lives, supporting its frontline outreach team that assists people experiencing rough sleeping across Newcastle.

Officials say the funding will enable Changing Lives’ Multiple Exclusion Team to continue providing seven-day-a-week support, including welfare checks and access to basic supplies. 

They add that the grant, which is part of Newcastle Building Society’s £3.5 million wider community fund, will also help equip the team with mobile technology to better assist individuals on the streets.

Kirstie Wilkinson, practice development manager at Changing Lives, which supports more than 14,000 people each year and has worked for over 50 years tackling issues such as homelessness, addiction and domestic abuse, said: “This funding will make a real difference to the way we support people experiencing homelessness in Newcastle.

“Having tablets means our advisers can meet people where they are – on the streets or in temporary accommodation – and provide internet-enabled support immediately, rather than relying on them coming into the office. 

“This flexibility is vital in helping people access the services they need and move into secure housing.

“The hygiene and care packages will offer practical and thoughtful support. 

“With summer approaching, we’ll use some of the funds to provide sunscreen and caps – simple items that protect people from the heat but are often overlooked. 

“We’ll also make sure anyone moving into accommodation has basic toiletries and food to help them settle in and start their new chapter with dignity.”

The initiative comes as the building society, which is the eighth largest in the UK and the biggest in the North East, prepares to move its Northumberland Street branch to a new location at Monument.

Rob Boak, manager at Newcastle Building Society’s Northumberland Street branch, added: “When Monument opens this summer, it’ll transform the heart of the city centre and create the space and facilities to help our partners, civic leaders, charities and community groups deliver lasting, positive change for Newcastle.

“This will include Changing Lives, whose work has a profound impact on some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community, with a focus on the city centre. 

“Helping to tackle homelessness is one of our community priorities, so we’re pleased to be able to help fund their outreach work and help support those experiencing homelessness.”

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