Sandwell’s Homelessness Week: providing real, practical help to rough sleepers

Following World Homeless Day on Sunday, 10 October, Sandwell Council’s Housing Solutions Service were out across Bearwood, Smethwick and West Bromwich between 11-15 October. The team offered advice, information about housing support and other services and provisions to those rough sleeping and those at risk of rough sleeping.

The team worked with local businesses, charities, residents and rough sleepers to offer information about the Housing Solutions service and how to access support. Food, sundries and other essentials were given to those in need. In addition to evening walks in Smethwick and Bearwood, the Rough Sleepers Team joined the Safer 6 campaign daytime walks on Smethwick and Bearwood High Street.

West Midlands Langar Seva (www.midlandlangarseva.org), a charity that helps those in need, provided hot meals throughout the week in Carters Green, West Bromwich, next to the Farley Clock Tower. The Rough Sleepers Team and the West Bromwich BID Team joined West Midlands Langar Seva on Wednesday, 13 October and Friday, 15 October.

Councillor Zahoor Ahmed, cabinet member for housing, said: “More than 4,000 Sandwell families or individuals declared themselves homeless in 2020/21. In 70% of these cases we worked to prevent individuals and families losing their homes. We will work to identify the needs of the most vulnerable people in Sandwell and work to support families who are at risk of becoming or who are homeless. The Housing Solutions Service can help with all sorts of issues, so don’t be afraid or embarrassed to call and ask if they can help you”.

If you would like to make a difference to the lives of those who are rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, please donate to the alternative giving campaign Change into Action. This initiative offers practical help for rough sleepers, helping to tackle the underlying causes of homelessness. Donations are used to provide accommodation, access to healthcare, clothing and training that could lead to a job.

Donations can be made online at: www.changeintoaction.org.uk/sandwell/donate

Please visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/housing for more information.