News article
Crisis to launch new services in Birmingham
Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people, today announces that it is joining forces with local Birmingham organisations to launch new services in the city for single homeless people. The services will be focused on providing skills development and training opportunities for homeless and vulnerably housed people to give them the confidence and capabilities to move into education and employment and break the cycle of homelessness.
The Chair of Crisis, Sir David Bell, speaking today at the 20th anniversary lunch for Birmingham Forward highlighted the role played by the city's businesses and education establishments in driving forward Birmingham's growth and prosperity but stressed how vital it was to ensure that all sections of the community, even the most vulnerable such as homeless people, are able to share in that. David Bell emphasised how it is important to look at a city's reputation holistically - it is no good being a centre of excellence for professional services if the city cannot support those in need.
Sir David Bell said:
"Compared with 20 years ago I think that cities like Birmingham now have more confidence, more buzz and more determination to be places where people really want to live. However the strength of a city is also in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. I am therefore delighted that we are bringing Crisis services to Birmingham, which will add a dimension to what is currently available to transform the lives of homeless people".
These new services Crisis will be launching will provide a vital role in delivering that mission and will include:
- Engagement activities, such as dance and wellbeing classes using art and creativity to start homeless people on the process of learning and rebuild their self esteem and confidence
- Accredited learning, such as basic skills and IT
- SmartSkills - an innovative, intensive, one to one coaching programme leading to a City and Guilds qualification, designed by Crisis to support some of the most isolated and vulnerable adults in Birmingham develop the skills, confidence and aspirations to move into education and towards employment.
Services will be delivered by Crisis on an outreach basis and in partnership with a range of organisations including Anawim in Balsall Heath, SIFA Fireside's day centres, Trident Group, St. Anne's Hostel, Allison House, Ace Dance and Music and the DanceXchange.
The services will be supported by funding from the Working Neighbourhoods Innovations Fund administered by Be Birmingham and Birmingham City Council. Crisis will also be looking for additional funding and support from the local business community and other funding organisations in the city.
Click here for new Crisis job vacancies in Birmingham
