Local businesses deliver for homeless charity

It’s been a tough 18 months for so many of us as the full impact of the pandemic continues to unfold. As always, it is the most vulnerable in our communities that are hit hardest. This year saw the Universal Credit payments cut, the furlough scheme come to an end and the rise of fuel, energy and food costs all coincide, putting huge strains on families and young people.

A shortage of affordable housing and spiralling rent costs just add to the financial stress of many.

St Basils are the Midland’s largest Youth Homelessness charity working to support those in most need, not just at Christmas but all year round. And we simply couldn’t do it without the support of all our, fundraisers, volunteers, and corporate partners.

Barrie Hodge Head of fundraising and communications said: “St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and prevent homelessness. Founded in 1972, our goal has never deviated – To prevent youth homelessness, either from happening in the first place or happening again.

Like many charities, our ability to fundraise has been impacted by the pandemic as we had to cancel numerous events that would help us raise the vital funds required to carry out the support work that we do. Many individuals have donated, and we have been so grateful to those who have supported us during this crucial time, many of whom were going through difficult situations themselves. The pandemic has hit all of us hard, but the impact on young people in our region has been devastating. Many have fallen into hardship; we are so grateful to all the wonderful companies that have donated their Christmas card budget to us and taken part in ‘Your card’s in The Post’ and a special thanks to The Birmingham Post and One Black Bear for making this happen once again.

Our St Basils hardship fund allows us to provide support to those who need it urgently. As young people come to us in times of need, many have no immediate access to funds. The funds we raise from this kind of initiative will be allocated to support those at crisis point and provide them with the resources they need at a critical time.

Visit www.stbasils.org.uk to find out more about our work and how we are making the West Midlands brighter and better for future generations.”