Barclays continues Changing Lives of homeless people
18 November 2003
Crisis, the national homelessness charity, is pleased to announce that the Changing Lives programme, funded by Barclays, has this week made 53 new financial awards to homeless people. This brings the total number of awards to 319 since the Changing Lives programme was set up last year.
Changing Lives provides financial and mentoring support for homeless people to realise their career and life ambitions. The awards can help homeless people rebuild their lives in a number of ways including attending a training course - buying essential tools and equipment to get back to work or starting up their own business. Crisis is delighted that Changing Lives is supported for a second year by Barclays community investment programme as part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to social and financial inclusion. Barclays funding will ensure that Crisis continues to change even more lives and help homeless people rebuild their lives throughout 2003-4. Shaks Ghosh, Crisis Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that Barclays has agreed to fund Changing Lives again this year. I have seen people’s confidence and self-esteem truly grow amongst our award recipients over the past year – these success stories really challenge some misconceptions of homeless people. The Changing Lives scheme really does transform people’s lives and with Barclays continued support, we will be able to help so many more homeless people unlock their potential.” Angie Tymkow Barclays Community Affairs Manager said, “As part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility, we are supporting a range of projects designed to promote social and financial inclusion and the Changing Lives scheme delivered by Crisis is making a real difference on both counts.” Homelessness is incredibly damaging and can erode skills and confidence, making the journey back to a career or training very difficult. Crisis Changing Lives aims to develop an individual’s skills and knowledge and boost their self-esteem, helping them to rejoin the world of work with support from a mentor, as well as creating positive and dynamic role models for other homeless people. For further information about Crisis and Changing Lives please contact Amy Bick or Naomi Fuller on 020 7426 3830 or 07973 372587 (out of hours). For further information about Barclays community investment programme, please contact Moya Galal on 020 7699 4114. Notes to Editors: 1. Crisis is the national charity for solitary homeless people and works year-round across the UK helping people fulfil their potential and transform their lives. Crisis helps rebuild the lives of homeless people by helping those trapped in the cycle of homelessness and raising awareness of their plight. The charity estimates that there are around 400,000 hidden homeless people in England, living in isolation and loneliness in B&Bs, hostels, squats and on friends’ floors. 2. In 2002 Barclays global commitment to the community amounted to £32 million, which includes 1% of UK pre-tax profits. As one of the UK’s largest corporate community contributors, the bank aims to achieve real and lasting benefit both for the community and Barclays, by supporting education, social inclusion, people with disabilities, the arts and the environment. For further information, please see social responsibility at www.barclays.com or call Moya Galal at Barclays PLC on 020 7699 4114. 3. Crisis Changing Lives provides financial awards to people who are homeless or vulnerably housed so that they may achieve their vocational goals, fulfil their potential and become independent.