The FREE monthly for the West Midlands’ hom February 2012 2 / The Pavement, February 2012
“There, but for the grace of God, go I” The Pavement, February 2012 / 3
www.thepavement.org.uk The Editor Issue 15 / West Midlands / Feb 2012 Published by The Pavement West Midlands Welcome back PO Box 15635 Birmingham Hope this finds you all safe and well after the festive season: B29 9DD it feels like an age since we signed off for Christmas. Registered Charity Number 1110656 Our reporters have worked off their mince pies by dashing e: [email protected] around the Midlands to bring you the latest news: cuts in Cov- Editor-in-Chief entry; numbers on the rise in Nottingham; and a budding new Richard Burdett service. We can’t promise it’s all good news for the New Year, but we’re nothing but honest here at The Pavement! West Midlands Editor Don’t forget to get in touch (details to the left) if Amber Woodfull there’s anything you want us to investigate. Until next time… News Editor Amy Hopkins Amber Woodfull Web Editor Editor Val Stevenson [email protected] twitter.com/thepavementwm Reporters John Ashmore, Elizabeth Barker Emma Batrick, Lizzie Cernik Dearbhla Crosse, Rebecca Evans Katharine Hibbert, Emma Jarvis Sarah Napier, Jim O’Reilly, Jo O’Reilly Carinya Sharples, Karen Squire Chris Swann, Fraser Tennant Contents
Photographers Cover Rufus Exton, Katie Hyams
Contributors Street Shield takes a break this month to give space to our new Susie Rathie, Toe Slayer, Evelyn Weir campaign poster warning readers about the dangers of sleeping in bins – poster pages 18-19 Cartoonists Artwork by Mike Donaldson Neil Bennett, Cluff, Pete Dredge Kathryn Lamb, Ed McLachlan, Ken Pyne News Pages Steve Way, Mike Williams
Artists/Designers West Midlands news 5–9 Mike Donaldson, Lo Parkin Missing People 7 News-in-brief 11–23 Printed by Homeless city guide 12 Evon Print Ltd, United Kingdom Street Life The Pavement is written for your entertainment and information. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy Bin death – stay out and stay safe 18–19 of the publication, The Pavement cannot Street Shield – back next month be held responsible for the use of the See the nurse – the health column 24 information it publishes. The contents Foot care – care for your pair 25 should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical, legal or professional advice. The List (incorporating soup runs) 36–27 The Pavement is a forum for discussion, and opinions expressed in the paper are not necessarily those of The Pavement.
The Pavement (print) ISSN 1757-0476 The Pavement (online) ISSN 1757-0484 4 / The Pavement, February 2012 The Pavement, February 2012 / 5 West Midlands news All the homeless news from across the region
and 1.30pm–3.30pm) or on Christmas shelter Birmingham winter Saturdays (10.30am–12.30am). Housing Justice convenes welcomes homeless shelter pilot a forum for church-run winter shelters which meets regularly One of Birmingham’s oldest Here at The Pavement, we have in London and supports the homeless shelters opened its been eagerly following the progress development of new shelters by doors and kitchens to hundreds of the pilot winter shelter in running training days. The charity of guests over Christmas, pro- Birmingham. We are pleased to also produces much needed viding food and warmth at a announce that the project will kick guidance for pilots, such as the time when social isolation – and off with a ‘trial run’ in February Shelter in a Pack resource, which the cold – are at their worst. so as to be firmly established for offers step-by-step support for Birmingham Christmas Shelter, a next winter. The Birmingham churches considering a pilot in charity formerly known as Birming- Diocese Thrive West Midlands team their neighbourhood. http://www. ham Open Christmas, provided hot is leading the pilot, with much- housingjustice.org.uk/resources. meals, refuge and companionship needed support and guidance from php/567/shelter-in-a-pack to the homeless and lonely from Housing Justice and the Birming- The steering group includes its base in St George’s Community ham Christian Homeless Forum. three representatives who work Hub, Newtown on 23–27 December. The five churches taking part in for and have strong relationships Volunteers for the charity the pilot include Birchfield (Perry with local homelessness charities, – in its 31st year – worked around Barr), Weoley Castle and Newtown. ensuring that the winter shelter the clock to welcome guests and They will provide basic accom- links in with local established served a remarkable 1,345 meals modation, dinner, breakfast and charities and services. St Martin’s over the five-day open house. washing facilities every night for ten in the Bullring will provide ongoing Homeless visitors to the shelter homeless people with low support sign-posting and support to people were able to make use of all- needs on Fridays (Newtown), staying in the shelters, especially to important health care provisions Saturdays (Weoley Castle) and help find appropriate sustainable as well as try out less accessible Monday nights (Birchfield). Volun- accommodation and other support holistic services such as medita- teers have taken part in valuable services once the shelter has closed. tion, chiropody and yoga. Some training on how the pilot will run. guests even spent their Christmas The pilot shelter will run for Amber Woodfull studying osteology – the structure a month starting on Friday, 3 of bones in relation to health. February. It will launch – fittingly Birmingham Christmas Shelter – during Poverty and Homeless- Homelessness on the rise is staffed entirely by volunteers ness Action week (28 January – 5 and relies upon donations in order February). Organisers hope to set up in Nottingham to survive. 2012’s fundraising has a longer running shelter with more already begun with a stylish dona- churches for the following winter. Framework, a Nottingham-based tion from Birmingham’s Bullring Referrals to the shelter will be homelessness charity, expects Shopping Centre. “We’re auctioning handled by the helpdesk team at to see the numbers of home- off the giant festive jumper worn St Martin’s in the Bullring. If you less people on the city’s streets by the famous Bullring bull,” says are already in touch with SIFA increase over the next 12 months. shelter trustee Dave Young. “We’re Fireside, the Health Xchange or Framework provides almost hoping this iconic piece of knitwear Reach Out Network, please ask 8,000 homeless and vulnerable will raise much-needed funds and your support worker to contact St people each year with the resources a few smiles along the way.” Martin’s Helpdesk. Alternatively, to live independent lives by offering you can visit St Martin’s Helpdesk choice and opportunity. Like so Elizabeth Barker on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays many other charities, it is suffer- and Fridays (10.30am–12.30pm ing from funding cuts. Its hostel 6 / The Pavement, February 2012
is already at capacity because years. But is the government doing Sleeping out for St Basil’s increasing numbers of people are enough, when last year nearly 2,000 staying longer due to a housing people slept rough every night? On Friday 2 December 2011, 350 shortage, so the numbers of people With more and more people of Birmingham’s finest gathered sleeping rough is inevitably rising. feeling the pressure of the current in a frosty car park wearing their Mr Cully, the manager of the economic climate, will this warmest attire to take part in the London Road hostel, said: “People investment be enough to keep 22nd annual St Basil’s sleep-out. are becoming homeless for normal vital services offered by organisa- The charity provides support reasons like losing their job, having tions like Framework open and and accommodation to homeless trouble with bills. A lot of it is prevent the numbers of rough young people. Based in Digbeth, obviously down to the economic sleepers increasing in 2012? they have 27 supported housing problems that we’re going projects across Birmingham and a through... Hopefully, we can move Emma Jarvis further three in Worcestershire. people through the system quicker.” The sleep-out has become a core The government is investing • Read about the rough part of the fundraising they rely on
£400m over four years to support sleeper hotline run by Frame- to provide vital support to 4,000 2011 © Jones Ellie by Photography the work of local authorities and work – story page 23 young people in the Midlands every the voluntary sector and has said year. It is fun and raises aware- that statutory homelessness is lower than in 28 of the last 30 The Pavement, February 2012 / 7
ness of what homeless people go James and his co-presenter Rachel through every night. Lucy Hackett, New from Heart FM, which raised head of fundraising at St Basil’s, substantial funds by discussing and explained that the money helps promoting the sleep-out on the ensure that other young people do show. The duo soaked up the atmos- not have to spend a night on the phere of the night and weren’t street. It will go towards helping afraid to get their hands dirty in 16- to 25-year-olds who are home- the shelter building competition! less and provide individuals who are Unfortunately, the people from vulnerable and at risk with essential the Welsh House Farm Community support and prevention services Project were unable to attend this such as family mediation, housing year because of illness, but they aid and advice, and working to were determined to raise some increase individuals’ confidence money. Lead by the project co- Alan Murray and aspirations. Along with the ordinator Jess Hobbs, they teamed Age at disappearance: 63
Photography by Ellie Jones © 2011 © Jones Ellie by Photography housing projects, St Basil’s provides up a couple of weeks later with a a 24-hour helpline and “crash community group from Bourneville Alan has been missing from pads” for those desper- who had organised a lock-in at the Northfield, Birmingham ately in need of a place to Pavilion. They raised money for St since 15 April 2010. sleep. Going forward, the Basil’s, and had an eye-opening young people are offered discussion about homelessness There is great concern for accredited learning, skills with the youths involved. and work programmes Adam Yosef, one of The Alan and he is urged to call in order to sustain the Pavement’s newest recruits, has our confidential service progress made. made a short film with footage Message Home helpline Although all the par- from the event, which is available on Freefone 0800 700 ticipants had their own to view on You Tube – just search 740 or text 80234 for reasons for taking part in St Basils Big SleepOut 2011. free, confidential advice the sleep-out, everybody and support. involved recognised the Sarah Napier importance of what they were doing for Alan is 5ft 5in, with long such a valuable cause, Coventry City Council grey hair and a full beard. especially in the winter When he was last seen, months, when thoughts rubber-stamps cuts he was wearing a khaki often turn to how hard disguised as freezes coloured ¾ length coat & it is living on the street. blue jeans. He also wears Iqra Hussain, from Coventry City Council has given the glasses and has several the young person’s go-ahead to budget cuts – disguised tattoos on his arm. charity The Chal- as freezes – which are likely to lenge, wanted to “do have devastating consequences If you’ve seen Alan, something differ- for homeless people in the city. ent and experience At a meeting on 17 January, please call the 24-hour what it is like for the cabinet members decided to confidential charity average homeless “maintain” their existing annual Missing People on person sleeping budget of £1,396,583 for at least Freefone 0500 700 700 on the street”. The two years, a move that is expected Email: seensomeone@ event has inspired to add considerably to the 30 per missingpeople.org.uk her organisation cent increase in those needing to carry out its accommodation recorded by very own ‘Sleep the Council over the last year. Out’ in February. The Council’s data also show The event that the number of homeless people attracted local in the city has risen to 1,700, more celebrities Ed than double the number recorded 8 / The Pavement, February 2012
You can read the news, keep informed & search our directory of services online @
www.thepavement.org.uk The Pavement, February 2012 / 9
just five years ago. According Mike Parker, chair of Grub and ing an addiction to alcohol. to the Council, this includes Gab, a charity which provides The murdered man’s sister, people who are ‘non-statutory’ food and shelter to Coventry’s Elaine Shipway, said: “He was a homeless, which means they are homeless people, said: “With H2H quiet, gentle man when he was not a considered a priority. Coventry, [the] City Council plans not drinking, and had never hurt As always, the true extent to ‘pay’ three businesses to run the anyone physically in his entire of the problem is likely to be homelessness services in the city. life even when he was drinking. very much higher due to the £1.4 million over 18 months to look “He was well-known and had fluctuating numbers of rough after an ever-increasing number friends in the area when he was sleepers on the city’s streets of homeless in the city? Only £1.4 homeless. He didn’t deserve to have and the ‘hidden homeless’. million? How much of that will be his life ended in this violent way.” Councillor Tony Skipper spent on the people who are in (Neighbourhood Action, Housing, need, I wonder? Three different Elizabeth Barker Leisure and Culture), who spoke businesses, each having to pay at the meeting, has previously wages, rent, admin costs, all the said that the Council must cut associated other costs of running services. He accepts that in a homelessness business. So think freezing the budget the Council again. Just how much of the £1.4 has, in effect, cut the homeless million pounds will end up actually budget due to the high level of benefiting homeless people?” inflation (currently five per cent). The meeting also agreed to Fraser Tennant introduce H2H (Here 2 Help), a consortium of local charities which it believes will “create opportuni- Birmingham man ties for cooperation and innova- tion between providers” and charged with homeless “ensure the provision of a more murder flexible and joined-up service that is responsive to changes A 35-year-old man has been in demand and user needs.” charged with the murder of a home- For an 18-month period starting less man following a vicious attack in September 2012, the Council will at a Birmingham bus stop. Richard award current funding allocation Williams suffered fatal head injuries to H2H to deliver services with in the assault, which took place near a brief to “prevent homeless- the junction of Barford Road and ness and tackle the wider causes Dudley Road, Winson Green, at mid- of homelessness.” The cabinet night on 30 December. Paramed- meeting concluded that: “The ics battled to save Mr Williams’s management of service delivery life, but he later died in hospital. through H2H had the potential Deputy Inspector Wayne Jones to improve the level of service described the incident as “unpro- provided to users by putting in voked and extremely ferocious”, place a single point of access adding: “I can’t see any reason which would enable service users why Richard was attacked, none to access the right service first time at all. He was sat in the bus stop, and reduce duplication of effort.” possibly asleep, minding his own Once it is up and running, business. It could have been any the H2H consortium will have to one of us waiting in that bus stop.” demonstrate that joint working Russian Grigory Razgoniaev, between agencies – which include of no fixed abode, is currently the Salvation Army, Coventry standing trial at Birmingham Cyrenians and Whitefriars – can Crown Court. Mr Williams became provide significant savings and known to a number of homeless improve service efficiency. hostels in the city after develop- 10 / The Pavement, February 2012 The Pavement, February 2012 / 11 News in brief The homeless news from across the UK and the World
Sometimes families are keen to Crisis’ 1996 report Still Dying For A Hull in a handcart move so everyone’s happy.” Home (which we reported on in May However, charities working 2010). The new report from Shef- Homeless families from south with homeless people in Hull field University, also commissioned London could be asked to move were concerned about Croyden by Crisis, ups this figure to 47. hundreds of miles north, fol- Council’s plans. Peter Drinkell, But this doesn’t mean 46-year- lowing a surge in demand for project director of Doorstep Of old Pavement readers should start temporary accommodation. Hull, which provides temporary worrying. What the 1996 and 2011 Croydon Council is consider- accommodation and which handles Crisis reports calculate is not how ing sending some of the families up to local 200 referrals at any one long homeless people can expect to it houses in emergency bed and time, said that homeless services in live, but their average age of death. breakfast accommodation to live the north were already stretched, The briefing to the new report, in Hull and other Yorkshire towns, and that London’s problems Homelessness: A Silent Killer, makes where rent is cheaper and more should not be passed on to Hull. this clear (unlike the 1996 study) by homes are thought to be available. Drinkell said: “There is no way avoiding the term “life expectancy.” The decision comes as the this plan cannot disadvantage In comparison to the average number of families in such accom- Hull’s homeless people. The age of death in the so-called modation has risen from 61 in number of referrals our organisa- general population (77) it’s a 2008 to 300 today – costing the tion receives continues to rise each shocking, headline-grabbing figure council £300,000 a month. year. There are people in Hull who – even though the reason the figure The increase in the number wait several months for a property. is so low is that more homeless of homeless families entitled to It is not as though we have spare people die at a young age, drag- council support is thought to be due accommodation to dish out.” ging down the overall average. to reductions in local housing allow- Jad Adams, chairman of Croyden ance (introduced for new tenants homeless charity Nightwatch, said: Cause and effect last year and for existing tenants “This is a very serious situation. from January), combined with job “Inviting people to move In the briefing to the report (which losses from the financial crisis. away is far from ideal but I is still to be released in full), Crisis Croyden’s housing crisis is do understand this is the time chief executive Leslie Morphy sum- particularly severe because 58 to take drastic measures.” marises: “This report paints a bleak families who lost their homes Kay Boycott, of charity Shelter, picture of the consequences home- during last summer’s riots have said: “The fact that councils are lessness has on people’s health and also had to be placed in emergency offering people homes hundreds wellbeing. Ultimately, it shows that accommodation. In 2011, Croyden of miles away is testament to the homelessness is killing people.” Council paid for a homeless family scale of London’s housing crisis.” However, while being home- to live in St Leonards-on-Sea less can exacerbate existing near Hastings in East Sussex. Katharine Hibbert health problems or even cause Councillor Dudley Mead, cabinet them, not having a home was member for housing, finance and not found to be the main cause asset management, said: “We Rough sleepers predicted of death among those counted. don’t seem to be able to raise the Instead, the study found homeless supply of temporary accommoda- to live longer – 47 is the people are over nine times more tion. I told officers to look outside new 42 likely to commit suicide than the Croydon to find housing. We’ll general population, three times as take it from wherever we can. The outdated and overused likely to die as a result of a traffic “A lot of seaside towns are statistic that “the life expectancy accident, twice as likely to die of certainly cheaper and have of someone who sleeps rough is 42 an infection and three times more more availability. These moves years” has finally been updated. likely to suffer from a fatal fall. would be by mutual agreement. The original figure came from Most significantly, however, it 12 / The Pavement, February 2012 The Pavement, February 2012 / 13
calculated that drug and alcohol people and ensure provision meets Following a court appearance abuse account for just over a third needs and is integrated and holistic. on the 18 January, it now seems of all deaths – a huge propor- The next phase of the project, likely that Ocampo’s defence will tion. But drug and alcohol abuse to be published in summer 2012, to plead insanity. Prosecutor Tony of course also affects (and kills) will investigate cause of death by Rackouckas, however, condemned members of the general popula- age and analyse more detailed him as “serious, vicious killer tion too. And as Jeremy Swain, causes of death – plus, it is hoped, who went out there intention- CEO of Thames Link, commented mortality by different accom- ally going about killing people on Twitter soon after the release modation type and area. and terrorizing a whole area”. of the report briefing on 21 Bonnie Tisdale, who acted as December: “we know from robust Carinya Sharples Ocampo’s supervisor at Camp academic research that alcohol Pendleton, described him as “a and drug misuse nearly always veteran” who has been let down precedes homelessness”. Former US Marine by the State. “Regardless of what he’s been accused of, I trust him Counting issues arrested for homeless with my life,” the 27-year-old said. stabbing “If he did it, it wasn’t right, The researchers also faced major obviously, but there’s something obstacles in methodology. As Dr A 23-year-old man faces the wrong with him,” Tisdale added. Bethan Thomas admits in the death penalty for the brutal The population of homeless report: “Almost by definition, stabbing of four homeless men people in the California area is it is difficult to count homeless in Orange County, California. so great (an estimated 200, 000) people and it is not possible to It has emerged that the that the police have their own reliably estimate mortality for the suspected serial killer, Itzcoati dedicated homeless homicide unit. previously homeless who have now Ocampo, is a former Marine who But even with the help of specially found secure accommodation and had himself been made home- trained officers who have excel- so to discover what the long term less following the loss of his job lent outreach contacts, the police effects of a period of homeless- as a warehouse manager. were hunting the killer for over a ness might be. It is also difficult to Ocampo’s family has spoken of month, leaving the entire home- count deaths of homeless persons. their shock at his arrest, describing less community in a state of fear. Death certificates do not record the defendant as a “role model” Anaheim Police Chief John the deceased’s housing status.” American until his deployment Welter said that investigators are Despite these obstacles, Dr to Iraq in 2008 “killed the person now confident they have the man Thomas went ahead with the he was”. His father, Refugio responsible for the murders. report – finding potential home- Ocampo, has defended his son’s less deaths by matching postcodes character, saying: “I saw him Sarah Cox from mortality data provided by giving the last money he had in the Office for National Statistics his pocket…to the homeless.” with postcodes of homeless day Ocampo could face the death Homeless offered Spanish centres and hostel accommoda- penalty if he is found guilty of killing tion as provided by Homeless James Patrick McGillivray, 53, Llloud getaway Link. In total 1,731 deaths (where Middaugh, 42, Paulus Smit, 57 and the person was definitely home- John Berry, 64. All four of the victims A new charity plans to offer home- less or there is a high probability suffered the same brutal and fren- less people from the UK a chance they were) were counted. zied stabbing, with each suffering to spend time in Spain – especially at least 40 lacerations to the body. while recovering from illness. What next? His brother, Mixcoatl Ocampo, Based on a farm in a national told the LA Times that the alleged park, the Simon in Spain charity Crisis has used the new report’s murderer was suffering from hopes to host its first guests this findings to outline a set of recom- depression and had been severely summer. The family-run charity has mendations to improve homeless affected by the time he spent no connection with the UK Simon people’s health, in short: prioritise in service. Mixcoatl said: “He Community charity, but founder the needs of homeless people in was always paranoid. He would David French spent time working the restructure of the NHS, reform search the closet and bathrooms with that organisation before health service delivery for homeless in his home for bombs.” moving away to found his own. 14 / The Pavement, February 2012 The Pavement, February 2012 / 15 16 / The Pavement, February 2012 The Pavement, February 2012 / 17
Five volunteers have joined five outreach workers claim that “shut the door to squatters once French and his son and daugh- homelessness has increased in and for all” by making squatting ter-in-law to help to prepare the their area over the past year. illegal sparked outrage amongst land and the houses where guests The report highlights concerns legal professionals who have will stay. The charity hopes to over cuts in preventative services accused Shapps of ‘obscuring’ the encourage donors to sponsor and states three of the main causes law and misleading the public. a particular guest’s stay, or to of homelessness as relationship The Housing Minister was contribute a particular item or breakdowns, domestic violence also accused of putting homeless animal for the community’s use. and mental health conditions. projects ahead of social housing, French said: “The main idea There has been a significant after figures from the Homes and came from when I was having rise in the number of rough sleep- Communities Agency showed that cancer treatment and when my ers with mental health issues. there had been a substantial drop treatment finished I took a conva- The report claims this is a direct in the construction of affordable lescent holiday, but others on the result of public service failings homes across the UK last year. same course [of treatment] who and indicates that it would be A spokesperson for the were on low income sadly couldn’t.” more prudent to focus on tackling Department for Communities “I strongly believe that those the causes of homelessness. and Local Government told The who are homeless and on low St Mungo’s Chief Executive Pavement that the extra funding income who go through life Charles Fraser said “The cuts in had “been found through Depart- threatening diseases should have ‘Cinderella’ services such as those mental resources.” He added that, the same access as everybody supporting people with mental “ministers have made clear their else to this type of respite.” health conditions and victims of commitment to protect the most More information about domestic violence are of par- vulnerable. That is why the govern- the charity is available at ticular concern. As services close or ment has announced £20million www.simoninspain.co.uk thresholds for accessing support of new funding which for the first are raised, some vulnerable people time will specifically help single Katharine Hibbert are being left with nowhere to homeless people who all too often turn, with devastating effects.” slip through the safety net. This The report shows that 71 per money will be used to help prevent Funding boost for hostels cent of respondents believed that homelessness at an earlier stage. there needs to be more emergency “Every council has a legal duty A $42.5m government funding accommodation for rough sleepers. to ensure that households who boost for homeless hostels will The proposed funding boost will are homeless through no fault of only result in an increase of 31 bed be used to refurbish and build new their own and in priority need are spaces countrywide according to accommodation across the country not ‘roofless’, and can provide free the latest rough sleeping report. with an added 37 projects to advice and information to prevent The report, commissioned improve facilities for rough sleepers. homelessness in the first place.” by St Mungo’s, estimates that The government will also provide St Mungo’s has welcomed the at least 1,169 bed spaces in around 320 beds for homeless funding for more beds after the England were lost between charities across London, including number of homeless people in March 2010 and March 2011. St Mungos, West London YMCA London increased by eight per cent The £42.5m funding boost and Islington & Shoreditch Housing last year. “The ten move-on beds for the Homelessness Change Association. Cheltenham YMCA will benefit ten people initially but Programme, announced by was also offered funding under HCP then potentially more, depend- Housing Minister Grant Shapps, but is still awaiting their contract. ing on how soon people are then in October promises an extra David Wallace, CEO of Cheltenham able to make a positive move on 1,200 bed spaces across the UK. YMCA, told The Pavement: “We into more permanent longer term But the loss of 1,169 bed spaces are hoping to have new accom- housing. People usually stay in over the past year actually means modation up and running by April our hostels for up to two years, so that this will only amount to an 2014. Cheltenham YMCA has had these would potentially benefit increase of 31 bed spaces. no extra beds for over 10 years.” many more people in future.” Despite government figures Despite claims that Britain Referring to the No Second stating that homelessness has some of the toughest laws to Night Out scheme, which the “remains lower than in 28 of prevent people from ending up on government claims has helped 382 the last 30 years”, three out of the streets, Shapps’ decision to people off the capital’s streets, 18 / The Pavement, February 2012 The Pavement, February 2012 / 19 20 / The Pavement, February 2012
Fraser added: “We welcome The target year – an entrenched” rough sleepers in government action taken to stop London had dropped from 205 to anyone from spending a second end to rough sleeping in just 67 individuals. “Everything I’m night on the streets and this 2012? getting back from people working approach seems very promising.” in the boroughs is that we should “But what’s also needed now is This is set to be a landmark year be able to help the remainder better support to prevent vulner- in the UK – and not just because of the 205 into accommodation able people from hitting the streets of the Olympics and the Queen’s by this summer,” he told us. in the first place – a commit- Jubilee. It’s also set to be the year in Back then, we were asking ment to ‘no first night out’.” which local and national govern- whether the plan to stop rough ments eradicate rough sleeping. sleeping in London was a cosmetic Dearbhla Crosse “We must aim to get people off the campaign to get homeless people streets and in to work,” said Boris out of sight before the eyes of the Johnson in the run-up to the 2008 world turned on the city for the Bones in Bath wood election. “I have committed to Olympics. But soon after, the target ending rough sleeping by 2012.” moved – to the end of 2012, long A pile of bones found in Bath woods The Pavement has been tracking after the games will have finished. shortly after Christmas have still the mayor’s progress since 2008, “The original campaign was to end not been identified, Police have as well as following what’s been rough sleeping by the time the confirmed. The remains, discovered happening at national level in Olympics came to Britain, which by a local engineer, are thought Scotland. Throughout 2012, we’re would have been the summer of to be that of a rough sleeper, as going to keep an eye on whether 2012,” said a Homeless Link spokes- tarpaulin and other belongings any of these big promises have man. “But the Mayor has since com- were found at the scene. The bones been fulfilled. We’ll be reporting mitted to this being the end of 2012 could have lain undiscovered for on who’s hitting their targets this instead. This was considered to be up to two years in the secluded year, and who is falling short; but more realistic and appropriate.” spot, detectives have said. in this year’s first issue ofThe With 11 months to go until DNA results on the skull, leg Pavement, we’re going to start by the revised deadline, what’s the and thigh bones are expected investigating what promises have situation? The London government to be confirmed before the end been made about homelessness in has slightly altered its approach, of the month. The police plan the UK and what 2012 might bring. aiming to focus on its ‘No Second to compare the results against Even back in 2008, it seemed like Night Out’ scheme, which aims to the missing persons register in a tough task. “It’s time for us all to make sure people only spend one the hope of finding a match. say rough sleeping in 21st century night on London’s streets. Even A post mortem has revealed Britain is unacceptable,” said the so, a total of 2,878 rough sleep- that the bones are likely to have then Housing Minister, Labour’s ers were contacted by outreach belonged to white, European man Margaret Beckett, announcing her services in London between July between 40 and 65, of moderate bold plan to end all street home- and September, an increase of 17 build and between 5ft 6in and 5ft lessness in time for the Olympics. per cent from last year, accord- 9in tall in height. Coroners have Even then, Beckett’s plans were ing to figures from the Combined stated the death was from natural met with some doubt by people Homeless and Information Network causes and police are not treat- in the sector – especially when (CHAIN). That doesn’t mean that ing the discovery as suspicious. not long after the announcement, all of those people are long-term Anyone with information the government stopped publish- rough sleepers of course – if about the bones has been ing statistics for the total number anything, it could show how much asked to contact Bath police. of rough sleepers. Keeping an more energy outreach services impartial eye on what was being are investing in the homeless. Jo O’Reilly done became almost impossible. The findings also give some Still, the official picture was sense of the size of the task facing one of a steady decline in the the government and the complexity number of rough sleepers in the of the issues they’re dealing with. capital. Richard Blakeway, the Making ambitious promises makes Mayor’s Housing Minister, told for attention-grabbing headlines in The Pavement in February 2010 an election year, but following them that the number of “the most up is a different problem altogether. The Pavement, February 2012 / 21
“Best before end August seventh?!” 22 / The Pavement, February 2012
“Can you fix my smile so it doesn’t fade when I see how much you’re charging?” The Pavement, February 2012 / 23
Scotland’s target ices, said that the law is not based accommodation for the evening. on professional research, but has Whilst Framework regularly Authorities in England have not been passed because the public are receives multiple referrals from been the only ones making pledges fed up with the homeless. Budapest housing and health agencies con- on homelessness targets. The has been stretched to its limits, but cerning the same individual, staff Scottish government has not only the city’s poverty needs to be allevi- manning the 0800 number have promised to “end rough sleeping ated, not punished, Vecsei said. not experienced double referrals in 2012”, it has made it a legal The MP who drafted the from the public. “So far we have not requirement, with new legislation law has pointed to new hostel experienced an increase in multiple coming into force this December projects and argues that local referrals,” said Skinner. “We would which will entitle all rough sleepers councils will take responsibil- always welcome them anyway in Scotland to permanent accom- ity for tackling homelessness. as this means that vital informa- modation. With the deadline fast However, Hungarian charities tion is filtering through to us.” approaching, councils in Scotland claim that, even with these council According to Skinner, the have been warned not to “shirk” schemes in place, up to 3,000 rough organisation values its users’ their 2012 targets. The Pavement sleepers will be left without shelter. privacy and takes confidential- Scotland will monitor the story The controversial new law has ity seriously. Though the charity north of the border throughout the sparked a wave of demonstrations, operates an interventionist service, year as well, to see if Scotland’s including a series on sit-in protests. the people they approach are bold commitments are honoured. treated with dignity and respect. Staff The overall goal of the project is to Jim O’Reilly support rough sleepers, encour- age them off the streets and help Nottingham hotline to provide accommodation. Hungary outlaws Nottinghamshire-based home- Lizzie Cernick homelessness lessness charity Framework has witnessed a steady increase in A new regulation passed in the number of calls to its home- Man dies on Ilford street Hungary makes homelessness less hotline service. Since its punishable by a fine of nearly launch at the end of last year, A 45-year-old rough sleeper, £400, or a spell in prison. the service has encouraged the Leonard Hiller, died outside Ilford Some 10,000 people are public to report rough sleepers to Baths, Ilford, Greater London, on thought to be homeless in the the charity, so that the organisa- 27 December, but his family were country’s capital, Budapest. tion can offer its assistance. only found a week into January. The regulation was proposed If calls are made during the Speaking to the Ilford by Hungary’s leading conservative line’s operating hours (Monday Recorder, his mother, Glenda party, on the grounds that Budapest to Friday from 9am to 5pm), Hiller said: “He got into drinking could no longer cope with the large the team will try to contact the and drugs and he completely numbers of people sleeping rough. rough sleeper immediately. At all changed to a different person. The new law, passed by a other times, the line will divert “But he had a good heart. strong majority in parliament in to the Street Outreach Team If he saw an old lady with a December 2011, means that those leader who will provide support. heavy bag, he would help her. found sleeping on the streets will “If the rough sleeper is no longer He wasn’t nasty in any way. first receive a warning, before in the reported location we will “We put him in shelters but facing imprisonment or a fine. continue to check that area he didn’t want to do that. He The move has provoked anyway,” Framework Commu- would rather have a can of widespread criticism. Critics, who nications Officer Neil Skinner Special Brew or White Light- include Hungary’s human rights told The Pavement. “The time ning and be on the streets.” ombudsman and charities for the the referral is relevant here as Leonard Hiller died of natural homeless, argue that Budapest’s it means we may have to visit causes, and his funeral service was hostels cannot cope with the the location earlier or later.” For held on 30 January in Weeley, Essex. number of rough sleepers in the city. rough sleepers who refer them- Miklos Vecsei, a spokesman from selves, the team has the capacity Staff the Hungarian Maltese Charity Serv- to arrange bed and breakfast 24 / The Pavement, February 2012 Health and wellbeing The Pavement’s health team aim to help keep you healthier, if not happier
Chest pain is a sign that coro- from cigarettes make your heart Heart disease nary arteries are becoming blocked. beat faster and have to work This is also known as angina. Angina harder. Other chemicals in smoke Your heart is a muscle about can be quite mild and is often cause damage to the inside of the size of your fist. Its job is to mistaken for indigestion. Severe your coronary arteries, making it pump blood around the body angina can be felt as a heavy, tight easy for the fatty deposits to stick and it beats at about 70 times feeling in the centre of the chest and build up. If you’re ready to a minute. Most of us take it for and can spread to the jaw, arms or stop smoking there is a lot of free granted and forget it’s there neck. People often get angina after support available from your GP, until something goes wrong. exercise or when they feel stressed. Practice Nurse or NHS Direct. One of the most common Angina attacks usually pass after High cholesterol is another heart problems is coronary heart about ten minutes and there are major risk factor for coronary heart disease, a condition responsible sprays or tablets you can get from disease. Cholesterol is a fat made for about 94,000 deaths each year your doctor that will relieve them. by the liver from the saturated fat in the UK. If you want to prevent The key to preventing coronary that we eat. Although it you first need to know if you are heart disease is to keep your arteries the body needs at risk and there are a number from getting blocked or partially cho- of ways this can be measured. blocked. Smoking is a risk factor, The coronary arteries are the because nicotine and vessels responsible for giving the carbon monox- heart its blood supply. They branch ide out across the surface of the heart and feed oxygen to the hard-working heart muscle. Coronary heart disease occurs when one or more of these arteries become furred-up or blocked with fatty stuff and part of the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. The fatty stuff is called atheroma and is made up of cholesterol and other waste material. If an artery becomes completely blocked and the blood supply is cut off from part of the heart, then this is called a heart attack or myocardial infarction. The symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain, sweat- ing, light-headedness, nausea and breathlessness. If you think you or someone you are with is having a heart attack you should call 999 immediately. The Pavement, February 2012 / 25
lesterol to function, too much can Wet feet… nothing worse localised bacterial and fungal infec- lead to build-up in the coronary tions of the feet if we walk around arteries. You can get your choles- Somehow wet feet can make you barefoot with our ‘wrinkly’ feet. terol levels checked by a simple feel like you are cold all over and A pair of decent waterproof blood test and your doctor or nurse can dampen even the happiest shoes can be a good long term can advise on whether you need to mood. Avoiding wet feet is always investment. Look out for walking change your diet to bring it down. the best strategy, but as we live boots in second-hand shops or shoe Eating a diet low in saturated fat in a climate known for its rainfall recycling projects. Walking boots usually brings cholesterol down all year round (in fact, spring in are usually properly ‘waterproof’ but there are also medications you particular) it is pretty much impos- in that they are specially designed can take if this is not enough. sible to avoid rain and puddles. so that the tongue and the lace High blood pressure is also When rain and water get into part are also waterproof. Many associated with heart disease and shoes, it takes a huge amount of shoes that claim to be waterproof you should aim to have your blood time for them to dry out. Usually might well be made of waterproof pressure checked at least once a made of multiple layers, train- material, but rain gets in through year. Stopping smoking and getting ers in particular seem to have a the holes where the laces go, more exercise can bring down your tremendous capacity for holding on and as such still wets your feet. blood pressure but there is also to the moisture, staying wet until Rain gets in through the top medication for high blood pressure. the next day and squeezing out of the shoes, up the sides some- It’s very important to get medical yesterday’s rain when we put our times, and of course if you have advice for high blood pressure as it feet into them again tomorrow. any crack or holes in your shoes is a risk factor for lots of illnesses. Wet feet create a number of it gets in that way too. Try to get People who have diabetes are problems. Firstly, the water on the shoes or boots which have no holes, also at higher risk of developing skin creates a feeling of cold that and are made of material which coronary heart disease and people reduces the temperature in our feet, is naturally weather repellent, like with a strong family history. It’s and thus the temperature of our leather or plastic, for example. worth finding out if your parents bodies. This is why having wet feet Canvas shoes are fashionable and or grandparents had heart makes us feel shivery and miserable. popular at present, but provide little attacks or suffered from angina. Contrary to what my mother always protection from the elements. Regular exercise can reduce your told me, wet feet won’t give you a If you are staying overnight risk of developing heart disease ‘chill’, or make you get a cold (that somewhere in a safe indoor envi- as can eating a low-fat diet. comes courtesy of a viral infection, ronment, and have wet socks and not just cold and wet extremities) shoes, remove them. Put the socks Susie Rathie but will certainly make you feel near (but not on – we don’t want The Pavement’s nurse under the weather. The ‘wetness’ socks on fire!) a heat source, and softens the skin, and makes it more open up the shoes as much as possi- vulnerable to blistering and rubbing. ble. Stuffing them with old newspa- Peeling of the skin is also common per can help as this draws the mois- when feet are wet. That’s where ture into the paper. Don’t put them the importance of wearing socks in a plastic bag; this will just retain comes in. Yes, the socks will get wet, the wetness. If they are still soaking but they will offer some protection in the morning and you have no against the frictional stresses going other option but to put them on, on inside your shoes and onto the see if you can get hold of some old bare wet feet – so keep them on cardboard (even a cereal box would – even when wet, as wet socks are be fine) and cut out some rough preferable to no socks. You have insoles to put inside the shoes. probably noticed than when feet So keep out of puddles, get soaked, they tend to go paler and enjoy the dry days in colour and ‘wrinkle’ due to the while we have them! absorption of the fluid. This can last for some time, even when the Evelyn Weir feet are surface dried. The feet also Lecturer in podiatry become more porous when wet, and Queen Margaret University thus leave us more likely to pick up Edinburgh 26 / The Pavement, February 2012
“They’ve taken all the chairs!”
The Pavement, February 2012 / 27
www.thepavement.org.uk
directory of services online @ @ online services of directory
keep informed & search our our search & informed keep
You can read the news, news, the read can You
A comprehensive explanation explanation comprehensive A 0808 800 7070 800 0808
Help for Depression for Help Runaway Helpline Runaway
WEBSITES 0808 808 4000 808 0808
www.stonewallhousing.org National Debtline National
people of all ages all of people
0114 252 3891 252 0114
Housing advice for LGBT LGBT for advice Housing
UK Human Trafficking Centre Trafficking Human UK 0800 700 740, 740, 700 0800
24 hrs daily hrs 24
Stonewall Housing Stonewall
Message Home Helpline Home Message
Tue & Wed 2–5pm) Wed & Tue
sockbook.referata.com
0845 60 60 265 60 60 0845
(Mon, Thu, Fri 10am–1pm; 10am–1pm; Fri Thu, (Mon,
Sock Book Sock
For the Pensions Service Pensions the For 020 7359 5767 7359 020
0845 608 8661 608 0845 Housing advice for LGBT people LGBT for advice Housing
services.htm
For Social Fund enquiries Fund Social For
Stonewall Housing advice line advice Housing Stonewall
www.thepavement.org.uk/ www.thepavement.org.uk/ 0845 377 6001 377 0845
version of The List The of version .
Allowance or Incapacity Benefit Incapacity or Allowance
8am–8pm daily 8am–8pm
Regularly updated online online updated Regularly
for Income Support, Jobseekers Jobseekers Support, Income for
Housing info and advice and info Housing
The Pavement online Pavement The
For queries about existing claims claims existing about queries For 0808 800 4444 800 0808
0800 055 6688 055 0800 To make a claim, claim, a make To Shelter
Job Centre Plus (benefits agency) (benefits Plus Centre Job www.nhas.org.uk
section ‘need advice’ ‘need section affected by mental health mental by affected
(1pm–7pm daily) (1pm–7pm Readers can click on the the on click can Readers Out-of-hours helpline for those those for helpline Out-of-hours
Free advice for young people people young for advice Free Service 0845 767 8000 767 0845
0808 808 4994 808 0808 National Homelessness Advice Advice Homelessness National 6–11pm
Get Connected Get SANEline www.birmingham.gov.uk
home’/’help for homeless people’ homeless for home’/’help
Free 24-hr drug helpline drug 24-hr Free 08457 90 9090 90 08457 Click through ‘housing’/’finding a a ‘housing’/’finding through Click
0800 776 600 776 0800 The Samaritans The Birmingham City Council City Birmingham
Frank www.helpfordepression.com
0808 2000 247 2000 0808 MH who have left home left have who treatments for depression, depression, for treatments
Domestic Violence Helpline Violence Domestic Free line for under-18s under-18s for line Free of the various approaches and and approaches various the of
28 / The Pavement, February 2012 “It’s the beg society” beg the “It’s
The Pavement, February 2012 / 29
Emergency accommoda- Emergency 020 7359 5767 (advice line) (advice 5767 7359 020
benefits, tax credits, debt etc. debt credits, tax benefits,
Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: people of all ages all of people
ing specialist advice on housing, housing, on advice specialist ing
0121 773 1431 773 0121 Housing advice for LGBT LGBT for advice Housing
Free, confidential service, offer- service, confidential Free,
PO Box 3918, Birmingham B9 5AQ B9 Birmingham 3918, Box PO Stonewall Housing Stonewall
AD, BA, DA, H DA, BA, AD, Gilgal
Sat: 9am–12:30pm 9am–12:30pm Sat:
AD, BA, CA, C, D, MS, OB, OL, SH OL, OB, MS, D, C, CA, BA, AD,
Mon–Fri: 9am–8pm; 9am–8pm; Mon–Fri:
BA, H, OW H, BA,
Birmingham, Sandwell and Walsall. Walsall. and Sandwell Birmingham,
www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
housing. Floating support. Floating housing.
ing of female sex workers (18+) in in (18+) workers sex female of ing
Nationwide
harassment, domestic violence, violence, domestic harassment,
Promotes the health and wellbe- and health the Promotes
0845 345 4 345 4 345 0845
service. Advice on benefits, benefits, on Advice service.
done clinic – 0121 446 5381) 446 0121 – clinic done
Community Legal Advice Legal Community
Culturally sensitive support support sensitive Culturally Thu: 11am–1:30pm (Metha- 11am–1:30pm Thu:
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
Wed: 12am–4pm (drop-in clinic); clinic); (drop-in 12am–4pm Wed:
A, D, ET D, A,
01384 812626 or 815108 or 812626 01384
1:15pm–3:30pm (walk-in clinic); clinic); (walk-in 1:15pm–3:30pm
Helpline. Daily 9am–5pm Daily Helpline.
Birmingham DY1 1JG DY1 Birmingham
– 0121 440 0034); Mon: Mon: 0034); 440 0121 –
0800 073 0817 073 0800
17 St James’s Rd, Dudley, Dudley, Rd, James’s St 17
Mon: 12:45am–1:45pm (clinic (clinic 12:45am–1:45pm Mon:
Birmingham Drug & Alcohol Team Alcohol & Drug Birmingham
Dudley Refugee Support Team Support Refugee Dudley 0121 440 6655 440 0121
Phone for details for Phone
TELEPHONE SERVICES TELEPHONE AS, AS, C, ET, H, LA, TS LA, H, ET, C, AS, AS, SAFE Project SAFE
Women’s and youth groups. youth and Women’s
leave to remain to set up home. home. up set to remain to leave C ET, LA, OL LA, ET, C AS, C, OL C, AS,
citizens. Helps refugees given given refugees Helps citizens. other agencies for specialist help. specialist for agencies other counselling, and children’s services. children’s and counselling,
Helps asylum seekers and EU EU and seekers asylum Helps or single parents. Referrals to to Referrals parents. single or Safe house, advice, info, advocacy, advocacy, info, advice, house, Safe
Fri: 1pm–5pm; Fri: 9am–4pm Fri: 1pm–5pm; Fri: young women who are pregnant pregnant are who women young children facing domestic violence. violence. domestic facing children
Mon–Thu: 9am–5pm; Wed & & Wed 9am–5pm; Mon–Thu: young homeless people, and and people, homeless young Support for Asian women and their their and women Asian for Support
024 7622 7254 7622 024 women escaping domestic violence, violence, domestic escaping women 0800 055 6519 055 0800
15 Bishop St, Coventry CV1 1HU CV1 Coventry St, Bishop 15 Single people and parents, inc. inc. parents, and people Single Coventry – phone for details for phone – Coventry
Coventry Refugee Centre Refugee Coventry Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: Panahghar
6290 6270 7626 024 or
Green, Coventry CV6 7GQ CV6 Coventry Green,
AD, CA, ET, H ET, CA, AD, AS, AW, BS, CL, F, H, MS, MH, OB, TS OB, MH, MS, H, F, CL, BS, AW, AS,
Bell Green Rd, Courthouse Courthouse Rd, Green Bell
children and young people. people. young and children
needing support around life skills. skills. life around support needing
Navigation Centre, 55-57 55-57 Centre, Navigation
Education and training for for training and Education
modation, ex-offenders, those those ex-offenders, modation,
Valley House Valley
refugees, and the homeless. homeless. the and refugees, less, isolated, living in poor accom- poor in living isolated, less,
Outreach to asylum seekers, seekers, asylum to Outreach people, inc. people who are home- are who people inc. people,
0871 717 7284 717 0871 H, LA, MS, MH, SH MH, MS, LA, H, Activities centre for older (50+) Irish Irish (50+) older for centre Activities
Birmingham B70 6HA B70 Birmingham AS, AD, BA, C, DA, ET, ET, DA, C, BA, AD, AS, Fri: 11.30am–3.30pm Fri:
PO Box 2156, West Bromwich, Bromwich, West 2156, Box PO aged 13-25 in Dudley. in 13-25 aged 4.30pm; Wed: 2.30–5pm; 2.30–5pm; Wed: 4.30pm;
Centrepoint Streets Project Streets Centrepoint peutic counselling for people people for counselling peutic Mon, Tue & Thu: 11.30am– Thu: & Tue Mon,
Advice, information and thera- and information Advice, 0121 604 6111 604 0121
01384 379992 01384 working in Dudley can join. can Dudley in working Deritend, Birmingham, B12 0PH B12 Birmingham, Deritend,
bridge DY8 1EP DY8 bridge to £500) and anyone living or or living anyone and £500) to St Anne’s, 45 Alcester Street, Street, Alcester 45 Anne’s, St
23 Coventry St, Stour- St, Coventry 23 can apply for a Handiloan (£100 (£100 Handiloan a for apply can IWIC (Older Irish Adults Project) Adults Irish (Older IWIC
The What? Centre What? The All credit union members (18+) (18+) members union credit All
01384 815771 01384 AS, AD, BA, C, H, MH H, C, BA, AD, AS,
25 New St, Dudley DY1 1LT DY1 Dudley St, New 25 AS, BA, H, OL H, BA, AS, 24-hour helpline: 01902 713001 01902 helpline: 24-hour
The Castle & Crystal Credit Union Credit Crystal & Castle The Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri: for children and young people. people. young and children for
01922 653827, 653840, 653476 653840, 653827, 01922 support, resettlement, and help help and resettlement, support,
St, Walsall WS1 1TP WS1 Walsall St, ET, FF, H, LA, SH LA, H, FF, ET, benefits and immigration immigration and benefits
2nd Fl, Civic Center, Darwall Darwall Center, Civic Fl, 2nd AS, AD, AS, BA, CL, C, D, D, C, CL, BA, AS, AD, AS, advocacy, emotional support, support, emotional advocacy,
Council (Refugee Support Team) Support (Refugee Council hour helpline: 0800 970 8232. 970 0800 helpline: hour Emergency accommodation, accommodation, Emergency
Methadone programme. 24- programme. Methadone Walsall Metropolitan Borough Borough Metropolitan Walsall tic violence and their children. children. their and violence tic
Courses and activities, creche. creche. activities, and Courses For women affected by domes- by affected women For
women trapped in prostitution. prostitution. in trapped women Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: AD, C AD,
Reaches out in friendship to to friendship in out Reaches 01902 572140 01902 Free for Dudley residents. residents. Dudley for Free
hours: 07976 188 220) 188 07976 hours: hampton WV1 4LP WV1 hampton Interpreters can be arranged) be can Interpreters
Mon–Fri: 10am–4pm (out of of (out 10am–4pm Mon–Fri: PO Box 105, Wolver- 105, Box PO service outside these hours. hours. these outside service
0121 440 5296 440 0121 The Haven Wolverhampton Haven The Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm (message (message 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
PO Box 8902, Birmingham B12 9JZ B12 Birmingham 8902, Box PO 01384 812 422 812 01384
Anawim James’s Rd, Dudley DY1 1HP DY1 Dudley Rd, James’s AS, AD, H, LA, SH LA, H, AD, AS,
DACHS, Dudley MBC, 5 St St 5 MBC, Dudley DACHS, Refugeline: 0800 111 4223 111 0800 Refugeline:
SPECIALIST SERVICES SPECIALIST time2talk Mediation Service Mediation time2talk Birmingham Domestic Abuse Abuse Domestic Birmingham
escaping domestic violence. violence. domestic escaping
tion for women and children children and women for tion www.stonewallhousing.org
30 / The Pavement, February 2012
AS, BA, DA, H, LE H, DA, BA, AS, 01691 623756 01691
and accommodation. and Shropshire SY12 0AA SY12 Shropshire
social benefits, housing housing benefits, social Fullwood House, Ellesmere, Ellesmere, House, Fullwood
Advice on employment law, law, employment on Advice Stonham (Ellesmere) Stonham
Fri: 1pm–3pm Fri:
0121 643 3577 643 0121
men and ex-servicewomen and men
eseley St, Birmingham B5 5PH B5 Birmingham St, eseley AC, ET, IT, MC, PA MC, IT, ET, AC, how they can help ex-service- help can they how
Polish Millennium House, Bord- House, Millennium Polish – call for details for call – Ring the Legionline to see see to Legionline the Ring
Polish Club Birmingham Club Polish Running at various locations locations various at Running 08457 725 725 725 08457
PO Box 15850, Birmingham, B9 9HL B9 Birmingham, 15850, Box PO Royal British Legion British Royal
EASTERN EUROPEAN EASTERN 0121 348 7950 348 0121
Crisis Skylight Birmingham Birmingham Skylight Crisis AS, H AS,
C, D, ET, NE, OL NE, ET, D, C, [email protected]).
PERFORMING ARTS ARTS PERFORMING harm and support recovery support and harm email (HOUVulnerableper- email
affected by drug use to reduce reduce to use drug by affected can apply directly. Phone or or Phone directly. apply can
Service for adults (18+) who are are who (18+) adults for Service MS left, the armed forces, you you forces, armed the left,
5.30pm; Thu: 9.30-10am Thu: 5.30pm; ices, totally free of charge of free totally ices, If you are leaving, or have have or leaving, are you If
Mon-Wed, and Fri: 9.30am- Fri: and Mon-Wed, Comprehensive eyecare serv- eyecare Comprehensive 0121 675 1683 675 0121
0121 632 6363 632 0121 bank holidays) bank mingham B15 1DL B15 mingham
Street, Birmingham, B4 7SX B4 Birmingham, Street, Mon: 10am–5pm (except (except 10am–5pm Mon: PO Box 13254B1, Bir- 13254B1, Box PO
Dale House, New Meeting Meeting New House, Dale well St, Birmingham B4 6HA B4 Birmingham St, well Pathways)
Drugline William Booth Centre, Shad- Centre, Booth William Birmingham City Council (Housing (Housing Council City Birmingham
Vision Care for Homeless People Homeless for Care Vision Turning Point Birmingham Birmingham Point Turning
tion): Mon–Fri: 9am–10am Mon–Fri: tion):
MS AS, BA, C, D, ET, H, NE, OB NE, H, ET, D, C, BA, AS, Airmen and Families Associa- Families and Airmen
less people in Birmingham. in people less ness and/or the male sex industry sex male the and/or ness from SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Sailors, (Soldiers, SSAFA from
Medical practice for home- for practice Medical affected by drug use, homeless- use, drug by affected Call the ‘Reclaim Your Life’ scheme scheme Life’ Your ‘Reclaim the Call
Wed & Thu: 9am–11am Thu: & Wed Service for adults (18+) who are are who (18+) adults for Service 01380 738137 01380
Tues, Wed, Thu: 1pm–4pm; 1pm–4pm; Thu: Wed, Tues, 5.30pm; Thu: 9.30–10am Thu: 5.30pm; AWOL?
Mon & Fri: 2:30pm–4:30pm; 2:30pm–4:30pm; Fri: & Mon Mon-Wed, and Fri: 9.30am– Fri: and Mon-Wed,
0121 465 3965 465 0121 0121 632 6363 632 0121
EX-FORCES
mingham B4 6HA B4 mingham Street, Birmingham, B4 7SX B4 Birmingham, Street,
William Booth Lane, Bir- Lane, Booth William Dale House, New Meeting Meeting New House, Dale
CA, ET CA,
The Health Exchange Health The Vulnerable Persons Team (RSVP) Team Persons Vulnerable
Employment and training. and Employment
Drugline Rough Sleepers Sleepers Rough Drugline
0121 236 1936 236 0121
AS, AD, BA, CA, C, H, MH, OB, OL OB, MH, H, C, CA, BA, AD, AS, Turning Point Birmingham Birmingham Point Turning Lane, Birmingham B19 3TN B19 Birmingham Lane,
to mental health services. health mental to Pace House, 23-25 Summer Summer 23-25 House, Pace
resettlement. Help with access access with Help resettlement. AS, AD, AW, AS, C ET, LA, MH, SH MH, LA, ET, C AS, AW, AD, AS, The Big Issue (West Midlands) (West Issue Big The
benefits, employment and and employment benefits, alcohol problem/dependence. problem/dependence. alcohol
Help with accommodation, accommodation, with Help
support in addressing their their addressing in support
CA, ET CA,
& Sun: 9am–5pm Sun: &
For people wanting help and and help wanting people For
Mon–Fri: 9am–7pm; Sat Sat 9am–7pm; Mon–Fri:
Mon–Thu: 9am–5pm; Fri: 9am–4pm Fri: 9am–5pm; Mon–Thu:
www.jcp.org.uk/
0121 685 6970 685 0121
0121 685 6346 685 0121
0121 440 7919 440 0121
Ladywood, Birmingham B16 8DN B16 Birmingham Ladywood,
deston, Birmingham B7 4LZ B7 Birmingham deston,
B12 9LX B12
3rd Fl, Morcome House, Ledsam St, St, Ledsam House, Morcome Fl, 3rd
Duddeston Manor Rd, Dud- Rd, Manor Duddeston
Birmingham
Homeless Team Homeless
2nd Fl, The Matthews Centre, Centre, Matthews The Fl, 2nd Balsall Heath Balsall
Community Mental Health Health Mental Community Norman Imlah Day Cente Day Imlah Norman 196-197 Edward Rd Edward 196-197
Jericho Foundation Jericho
MEDICAL SERVICES MEDICAL A, D, ET D, A,
Helpline. Daily 9am–5pm Daily Helpline. www.entapeople.com
0800 073 0817 073 0800 www.veterans-uk.info CA, ET CA,
0121 465 4930 465 0121 one-to-one welfare service welfare one-to-one Fr: 8.30am–1.30pm Fr:
mingham, B7 5PA B7 mingham, erans and access to dedicated dedicated to access and erans Mon–Thu: 8.30am–4.30pm; 8.30am–4.30pm; Mon–Thu:
Gee Business Centre, Bir- Centre, Business Gee Free help and advice for vet- for advice and help Free 0121 380 4801 380 0121
1st Floor, Technology Block, Block, Technology Floor, 1st 0800 169 2277 169 0800 B6 4BS B6
Birmingham Drug & Alcohol Team Alcohol & Drug Birmingham Veterans UK Veterans Birmingham
10 Mill Street Mill 10
Mill Wharf Mill AW, C, D C, AW, 0888 (South B’ham). B’ham). (South 0888 AS, BA, H, TS H, BA, AS,
ENTA 6340 (North B’ham); 0121 414 414 0121 B’ham); (North 6340 for ex-services personnel. ex-services for
gambling addictions. 0121 685 685 0121 addictions. gambling Supported accommodation accommodation Supported
For people with alcohol, drugs and and drugs alcohol, with people For EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT Mon–Fri: 8:30am–5pm Mon–Fri: The Pavement, February 2012 / 31 32 / The Pavement, February 2012
The Pavement, February 2012 / 33
Mon–Fri: 9am–4:30pm Mon–Fri:
Birmingham B36 0LF B36 Birmingham
& Sun: 7pm–10pm Sun: &
0121 622 8181 622 0121
Chester Rd, Castle Bromwich, Bromwich, Castle Rd, Chester
Mon–Fri: 9am–10pm; Sat Sat 9am–10pm; Mon–Fri:
mingham B5 6RD B5 mingham
c/o Morris House, 430–432 430–432 House, Morris c/o
01384 455464 01384
2nd Fl, 16 Kent St, Bir- St, Kent 16 Fl, 2nd
Stonham (Gilson Way Hostel) Way (Gilson Stonham
6 Dixons Green Rd, Dudley DY2 7DH DY2 Dudley Rd, Green Dixons 6
Aquarius
CHADD – On Route Project Route On – CHADD
AS, AD, H, TS H, AD, AS,
www.addaction.org.uk
low support needs. needs. support low
AS, AD, CA, ET, H, IT, OL IT, H, ET, CA, AD, AS,
MS, NE, OL, OB, SH OB, OL, NE, MS,
Single people 16–25 with with 16–25 people Single
independent living. living. independent
AS, AD, A, BA, C, D, DA, H, H, DA, D, C, BA, A, AD, AS,
for appointment) for
who require support around around support require who
those with alcohol or drug problems. problems. drug or alcohol with those
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm (call (call 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
For young people 16–24 16–24 people young For
Information, support and advice for for advice and support Information,
024 7669 1229 7669 024
Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun:
Mon–Fri: 10am–6pm Mon–Fri:
Coventry CV5 8BU CV5 Coventry
024 76251001 024
0121 465 4030 465 0121
43-45 Allesley Old Rd, Rd, Old Allesley 43-45
head, Rd, Coventry CV1 3AX CV1 Coventry Rd, head,
Birmingham B5 7JE B5 Birmingham
Nacro – Allesley Old Road Hostel Road Old Allesley – Nacro
Holyhead Court, Lower Holy- Lower Court, Holyhead
279 Gooch St, Highgate, Highgate, St, Gooch 279
Coventry Foyer Coventry
Addaction Birmingham Addaction
AS, CA, ET, H, IT H, ET, CA, AS,
tion and training opportunities. opportunities. training and tion Young people (16–25) people Young
DRUG / ALCOHOL SERVICES ALCOHOL / DRUG to engage with employment, educa- employment, with engage to
with support needs who are willing willing are who needs support with For women aged 16–45 aged women For
AS, AD, BA, CA, C, ET C, CA, BA, AD, AS, For single homeless 16–25-year-olds 16–25-year-olds homeless single For 0121 449 3748 449 0121
less people 16–25. 16–25. people less for appointment) for Birmingham, B13 8BB B13 Birmingham,
Young single home- single Young Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm (phone (phone 8am–7pm Mon–Fri: 76 Alcester Road, Moseley, Moseley, Road, Alcester 76
(call in or phone for appointment) for phone or in (call 0121 558 5739 558 0121 Helen Dixon House Dixon Helen
Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm Mon–Fri: 69 Rolfe St, Smethwick B66 2AR B66 Smethwick St, Rolfe 69
01889 585232 01889
Foyer Women
Staffordshire WS15 2WH WS15 Staffordshire Midland Heart – Rolfe House House Rolfe – Heart Midland
Aelfgar House, Church St, Rugeley, Rugeley, St, Church House, Aelfgar
AS, AD, AW, D, ET, H, MH, TS MH, H, ET, D, AW, AD, AS,
Foyer)
with alcohol or drug problems. problems. drug or alcohol with AS, C, H, MH H, C, AS,
Wolverhampton YMCA (Rugeley (Rugeley YMCA Wolverhampton mental health needs and those those and needs health mental less or in housing need. need. housing in or less
sleepers, ex-offenders, people with with people ex-offenders, sleepers, support needs who are home- are who needs support
AW, C, D, ET, IT, LF, OB, OL OB, LF, IT, ET, D, C, AW, Single homeless men, inc. rough rough inc. men, homeless Single locals aged 16–25 with medium medium with 16–25 aged locals
engage in training and support. support. and training in engage Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: For young single homeless homeless single young For
around life skills and are willing to to willing are and skills life around 01902 572162 01902 for appointment) for
16–25 who have support needs needs support have who 16–25 hampton WV10 8SD WV10 hampton Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm (phone (phone 8am–7pm Mon–Fri:
Single homeless people aged aged people homeless Single 89-95 Dickens Rd, Wolver- Rd, Dickens 89-95 0121 555 8444 555 0121
Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: P3 – Dickens Lodge Dickens – P3 wick B66 2LS B66 wick
01902 870382 01902 1–3 Murdock Rd, Smeth- Rd, Murdock 1–3
hampton WV10 0AD WV10 hampton Midland Heart – Murdock Road Murdock – Heart Midland D offenders and rough sleepers, sleepers, rough and offenders
Cannock Rd, Wolver- Rd, Cannock Single homeless men, inc. ex- inc. men, homeless Single
Court Foyer) Court Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: AS, H, TS H, AS,
Wolverhampton YMCA (Badger (Badger YMCA Wolverhampton 01902 490050 01902 year-olds with support needs. needs. support with year-olds
hampton WV14 6AQ WV14 hampton For single homeless 16–25- homeless single For
53 Wellington Rd, Wolver- Rd, Wellington 53 for appointment) for CA, ET, IT ET, CA,
P3 – Bilston Hostel Bilston – P3 Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm (ring (ring 8am–7pm Mon–Fri: 16–40 with support needs. needs. support with 16–40
0121 558 5739 558 0121 6500 555 0121 or For single homeless people aged aged people homeless single For
wick B66 4PZ B66 wick Bromwich B70 9LG B70 Bromwich AS, AD, ET, H OL, TS OL, H ET, AD, AS,
c/o 100 Gilbert Rd, Smeth- Rd, Gilbert 100 c/o 38 Carters Green, West West Green, Carters 38 and ex-offenders. ex-offenders. and
Midland Heart – Grange Road Grange – Heart Midland West Bromwich & District YMCA District & Bromwich West Single homeless men men homeless Single
Mon–Sun: 8am–10pm Mon–Sun:
01902 420536 01902 AS, H, TS H, AS, AS, AD, C, D, H, IT, SH IT, H, D, C, AD, AS,
hampton WV1 3AT WV1 hampton with low support needs. needs. support low with 16–25 with support needs. needs. support with 16–25
Old Hall St, Wolver- St, Hall Old For young people aged 16–25 16–25 aged people young For For single local homeless aged aged homeless local single For
Stonham (St George’s House) George’s (St Stonham for appointment) for Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm (ring (ring 8am–7pm Mon–Fri: 0121 770 9360 770 0121
0121 555 6500 555 0121 Bromwich, Birmingham B36 0LF B36 Birmingham Bromwich, AW, BA, D, ET, F, MS, OL MS, F, ET, D, BA, AW,
wick, Sandwell B66 4PZ B66 Sandwell wick, 430–432 Chester Rd, Castle Castle Rd, Chester 430–432 25+. May accept dogs. dogs. accept May 25+.
100-108 Gilbert Rd, Smeth- Rd, Gilbert 100-108 Stonham (Morris House) (Morris Stonham For single homeless men aged aged men homeless single For
Midland Heart – Gilbert Road Gilbert – Heart Midland Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun:
0121 772 4406 772 0121 AS, AD, BA, CA, ET, H, OB, TS OB, H, ET, CA, BA, AD, AS,
mingham B12 0RY B12 mingham AS, AD, ET, H, OL H, ET, AD, AS, For single homeless people 16–25. 16–25. people homeless single For
112 Moseley St, Bir- St, Moseley 112 27, inc. ex-offenders or those at risk. at those or ex-offenders inc. 27, Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
St Anne’s Hostel Anne’s St Accommodation for men aged 16– aged men for Accommodation 0121 770 9360 770 0121
34 / The Pavement, February 2012
AD, AW, MH AW, AD,
health and/or alcohol problems. alcohol and/or health AS, AD, CA, ET, H, IT, TS IT, H, ET, CA, AD, AS, AS, H AS,
with support needs, inc. mental mental inc. needs, support with leavers with low support needs. needs. support low with leavers Heart’s Homeless Services Centre. Centre. Services Homeless Heart’s
For single homeless men aged 25+ 25+ aged men homeless single For Single homeless people and care care and people homeless Single inc. refugees. Call in at Midland Midland at in Call refugees. inc.
Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: with low- to medium-support needs, needs, medium-support to low- with
0121 359 5953 359 0121 024 7659 7009 7659 024 For single homeless men aged 18+ 18+ aged men homeless single For
St, Birmingham B4 6LE B4 Birmingham St, West Midlands CV6 3LB CV6 Midlands West 6pm; Thu: 10am–2pm Thu: 6pm;
Waterside House, 33–35 Princip Princip 33–35 House, Waterside Daimler Green, Coventry Green, Daimler Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 10am– Fri: Wed, Tues, Mon,
Princip Street Hostel Street Princip Endeavour Court, 20 Chelmarsh, Chelmarsh, 20 Court, Endeavour 0345 60 20 540 (24/7) 540 20 60 0345
– Daimler Green Daimler – ford St, Birmingham B5 6HX B5 Birmingham St, ford
ET, H, LA, LF, MH, OL MH, LF, LA, H, ET, Coventry and Warwickshire YMCA YMCA Warwickshire and Coventry less Services Centre, 44 Brad- 44 Centre, Services less
AS, AD, AW, BA, C DA, D, D, DA, C BA, AW, AD, AS, Access, Midland Heart – Home- – Heart Midland Access,
stance-free at time of admission. admission. of time at stance-free
c/o Homeless Single Point of of Point Single Homeless c/o All with low-support needs low-support with All
Single homeless men. Must be sub- be Must men. homeless Single Centre)
Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun:
Salvation Army (William Booth Booth (William Army Salvation NIGHTSHELTERS
01902 773721 01902
DIRECT ACCESS HOSTELS/ HOSTELS/ ACCESS DIRECT
hampton WV1 1JS WV1 hampton
AD, AW, CA, ET, IT, LA, LF, MS LF, LA, IT, ET, CA, AW, AD,
27 Thornley St, Wolver- St, Thornley 27
skills sessions are also available. also are sessions skills
AS, AD, AW, BA, D, ET, F, H, LA, LF, OL LF, LA, H, F, ET, D, BA, AW, AD, AS,
P3 – Thornley Street Thornley – P3
computer literacy courses and basic basic and courses literacy computer ices. Big Issue distributor. Issue Big ices.
required. Job seeking sessions, sessions, seeking Job required.
and signposting to other serv- other to signposting and
D offenders and rough sleepers. sleepers. rough and offenders
Staff provide help and advice as as advice and help provide Staff
advice, support and guidance, guidance, and support advice,
Single homeless men, inc. ex- inc. men, homeless Single
Mon–Sun: 7am–9pm Mon–Sun:
services and facilities. Practical Practical facilities. and services
Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours 24 Open Mon–Sun:
024 7625 1437 7625 024
who are often barred from other other from barred often are who
01902 490050 01902
1 Lincoln St, Coventry CV1 4JN CV1 Coventry St, Lincoln 1
ers, substance misusers and others others and misusers substance ers,
hampton WV14 6AQ WV14 hampton
Salvation Army (Lincoln St Centre) St (Lincoln Army Salvation
For homeless people, ex-offend- people, homeless For
53 Wellington Rd, Wolver- Rd, Wellington 53
9:30am–1:30pm
P3 – Bilston Hostel Bilston – P3
AS, BA, H BA, AS, 2:15pm–4:30pm; Mon–Fri: Mon–Fri: 2:15pm–4:30pm;
active drug use is not acceptable. not is use drug active Fri: 2:15pm–3pm; Mon–Thu: Mon–Thu: 2:15pm–3pm; Fri:
AS, AW, D, H D, AW, AS,
overcoming dependency, but but dependency, overcoming 01902 714746 01902
For single homeless men aged 45+. 45+. aged men homeless single For
18+. Considers people who are are who people Considers 18+. hampton WV1 1WZ WV1 hampton
Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm Mon–Fri:
For single people or couples aged aged couples or people single For 1 Clarence St, Wolver- St, Clarence 1
0121 766 7645 766 0121
9am–8pm (referrals) 9am–8pm St George’s House Drop-in House George’s St
Birmingham B11 1AG B11 Birmingham (phone calls); Mon–Sun: Mon–Sun: calls); (phone
185 Stratford Rd, Sparkhill, Sparkhill, Rd, Stratford 185
Mon–Sun: 8:45am–11pm 8:45am–11pm Mon–Sun:
AS, AD, BE, CL, F, H, LA, TS LA, H, F, CL, BE, AD, AS,
Midland Heart – Zambesi Project Zambesi – Heart Midland
0121 558 2104 558 0121 Leisure and sporting activities. activities. sporting and Leisure
wick B66 4LG B66 wick independently after resettlement. resettlement. after independently
AS, F, H F, AS,
57 Edgbaston Rd, Smeth- Rd, Edgbaston 57 becoming homeless and to live live to and homeless becoming
For single homeless men 25+. 25+. men homeless single For
SHARP Hostel SHARP Helps people 18+ to avoid avoid to 18+ people Helps
for appointment) for
Mon–Fri: 9:15am–4:30pm Mon–Fri:
Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm (phone (phone 8am–7pm Mon–Fri:
AS, AD, BA, H, TS H, BA, AD, AS, 01902 421904 01902
0121 753 1386 753 0121
the drop-in advice centre. advice drop-in the hampton WV3 0TZ WV3 hampton
mingham B12 0QB B12 mingham
who have moved on can use use can on moved have who Rd, Chapel Ash, Wolver- Ash, Chapel Rd,
Leopold St, Highgate, Bir- Highgate, St, Leopold
for married couples. Residents Residents couples. married for St George’s Hub, St Marks Marks St Hub, George’s St
Midland Heart – Hanwood House Hanwood – Heart Midland
support needs, and 1 room room 1 and needs, support St George’s House George’s St
Single homeless people with with people homeless Single
AS, H, TS H, AS,
for appointment) for FF, H, LA, MS, OB, SK, TS SK, OB, MS, LA, H, FF,
to Irish people. Dogs allowed. allowed. Dogs people. Irish to
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm (call (call 9am–5pm Mon–Fri: AS, AW, AS, BS, BA, C, DA, ET, ET, DA, C, BA, BS, AS, AW, AS,
single homeless men 18+. Priority Priority 18+. men homeless single
01926 450708 01926 ing emergency accommodation. emergency ing
Move-on accommodation for local local for accommodation Move-on
Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3EB CV31 Warwickshire Spa, people on probation. Help access- Help probation. on people
for application form) application for
13 Charlotte St, Leamington Leamington St, Charlotte 13 training opportunities; help for for help opportunities; training
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm (phone (phone 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
Salvation Army (Eden Villa) (Eden Army Salvation resettlement and tenancy support; support; tenancy and resettlement
024 7663 5105 7663 024
with alcohol issues; counselling; counselling; issues; alcohol with
61 Stratford St, Coventry CV2 4NJ CV2 Coventry St, Stratford 61
AS, H, TS H, AS, and support for people dealing dealing people for support and
House
(83 men, 9 women). women). 9 men, (83 One-to-one help, accommodation accommodation help, One-to-one
Central and Cecil – Tullamore Tullamore – Cecil and Central For single people aged 17+ 17+ aged people single For Tue & Fri; chiropodist Thu) chiropodist Fri; & Tue
for appointment) for 10:30am–11:30am; (nurses (nurses 10:30am–11:30am;
Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm (phone (phone 8am–7pm Mon–Fri: 0121 643 5094 5094 643 0121 For men over 50 over men For ; 12–1pm (lunch); Sat & Sun: Sun: & Sat (lunch); 12–1pm ;
01384 423 771 423 01384 mingham, B5 5TH B5 mingham, Mon–Fri: 9–10.30am (breakfast) (breakfast) 9–10.30am Mon–Fri:
Lye, Stourbridge DY9 8SG DY9 Stourbridge Lye, 52 Allison Street, Bir- Street, Allison 52 0121 666 7023 666 0121
Gibbs Rd, (off Balds Lane), Lane), Balds (off Rd, Gibbs Allison House Allison mingham B5 6SN B5 mingham
House 18–28 Lower Essex St, Bir- St, Essex Lower 18–28
SIFA Fireside SIFA Midland Heart – Gibbs Road Road Gibbs – Heart Midland Men
The Pavement, February 2012 / 35
AS, BS, BA, ET, F, H IT, L, LA, OL LA, L, IT, H F, ET, BA, BS, AS,
AS, AD, BA, CA, C, ET, OL ET, C, CA, BA, AD, AS,
and longer term housing. housing. term longer and
(male); 0800 068 7499 (female). 7499 068 0800 (male);
and referrals to emergency emergency to referrals and
hotline (24/7): 0800 056 4034 4034 056 0800 (24/7): hotline
Advice, support, signposting signposting support, Advice,
Emergency accommodation accommodation Emergency
AS Sat: 9:30am–11:30am Sat:
job, voluntary work or training. training. or work voluntary job,
in Walsall to access private rents. private access to Walsall in 12am; Thu: 9:30am–12:30am; 9:30am–12:30am; Thu: 12am;
you find accommodation, a a accommodation, find you
Helps people registered as homeless homeless as registered people Helps Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9:30am– Fri: Wed, Tues, Mon,
emotional support and help help and support emotional
Mon & Wed: 10am–12am Wed: & Mon 01926 883613 01926
– 0300 3030099) will give you you give will 3030099) 0300 –
01922 746798 01922 Warwickshire CV31 1EJ CV31 Warwickshire
0800 068 7499. Youthline (24/7 (24/7 Youthline 7499. 068 0800
PO Box 1427, Walsall WS4 2YT WS4 Walsall 1427, Box PO 1A Chapel St, Leamington Spa, Spa, Leamington St, Chapel 1A
ness. Emergency 24/7 freephone: freephone: 24/7 Emergency ness.
Walsall Rent Guarantee Scheme Guarantee Rent Walsall Project (Leamington) Project
homeless or are facing homeless- facing are or homeless
Salvation Army – Homeless Action Action Homeless – Army Salvation For people aged 16–25 who are are who 16–25 aged people For
AS, H, TS H, AS, Mon–Thu: 9am–5pm; Fri: 9am–1pm Fri: 9am–5pm; Mon–Thu:
hours service (0845 1112836). (0845 service hours AS, AD, BS, C, CL, D, FF, L, MS, OL, TS OL, MS, L, FF, D, CL, C, BS, AD, AS, 0300 3030099 0300
will be available on the out-of- the on available be will www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk Street, Birmingham, B5 5SE B5 Birmingham, Street,
social worker. General advice advice General worker. social 01905 25027 01905 The Tollhouse, 180-182 Fazeley Fazeley 180-182 Tollhouse, The
650000 and speak to the duty duty the to speak and 650000 Worcester, WR1 2JD WR1 Worcester, St Basil’s Link Basil’s St
hours emergencies, call 01922 01922 call emergencies, hours St Albans, Deansway, Deansway, Albans, St
urgent, call in 2pm–3pm. Out-of- 2pm–3pm. in call urgent,
Maggs Day Centre Day Maggs AS, AD, H AD, AS,
Call for an appointment or if it’s it’s if or appointment an for Call
with a baby aged up to 2 years. 2 to up aged baby a with
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
www.theglebecentre.org.uk
pregnant women and women women and women pregnant
01922 653405 01922
F, H, LA, MS, MH MS, LA, H, F, support for young people, people, young for support
St, Walsall WS1 1TP WS1 Walsall St,
AS, A, BA, BS, CL, DT, ET, ET, DT, CL, BS, BA, A, AS, porary accommodation with with accommodation porary
2nd Fl, Civic Centre, Darwall Darwall Centre, Civic Fl, 2nd
to public: 10am–3pm 10am–3pm public: to finding accommodation. Tem- accommodation. finding
Housing Advice Service) Advice Housing
Alcohol Drinking Lounge Drinking Alcohol open open Advice on homelessness and and homelessness on Advice
Council (Homelessness and and (Homelessness Council health issues or socially excluded socially or issues health for appointment) for
Walsall Metropolitan Borough Borough Metropolitan Walsall ployed, drug dependent, mental mental dependent, drug ployed, Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm (call (call 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
able, including homeless, unem- homeless, including able, 024 7671 5113 7671 024
For people (18+) who are vulner- are who (18+) people For Spon End, Coventry CV1 3JQ CV1 Coventry End, Spon AS, H AS,
Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm - 9am Fri: - Mon 1st Fl, Koco Building, The Arches, Arches, The Building, Koco Fl, 1st Thu: 10am–3pm Thu:
01922 625687 01922 Homeless Accommodation Project Accommodation Homeless Mon, Tues, Fri: 9am–4pm; 9am–4pm; Fri: Tues, Mon,
Wednesbury Rd, Walsall, WS1 3RU WS1 Walsall, Rd, Wednesbury 0121 717 1515 717 0121 Nacro Services – Coventry Young Young Coventry – Services Nacro
The Glebe Centre Glebe The hull, Birmingham B37 6HA B37 Birmingham hull,
Church Close, Kingshurst, Soli- Kingshurst, Close, Church AS, BA, H, OB, TS OB, H, BA, AS,
(Kingshurst) FF, H, IT, L, LA, LF, LS, MS, MC, OB, TS OB, MC, MS, LS, LF, LA, L, IT, H, FF, Alcohol and mental health referrals. referrals. health mental and Alcohol
AS, AW, BS, BE, BA, CL, DA, ET, F, FC FC F, ET, DA, CL, BA, BE, BS, AW, AS, Solihull Community Housing Housing Community Solihull with current or past drug problems. problems. drug past or current with
café, and drop-in. drop-in. and café, people with multiple needs, people people needs, multiple with people
Support groups, skills classes, classes, skills groups, Support refugees and asylum seekers, young young seekers, asylum and refugees AS, H AS,
Sat: 9am–12am Sat: rough sleepers. Tenancy support for for support Tenancy sleepers. rough 4:30pm; Sat: 9am–1pm Sat: 4:30pm;
9am–4pm; Sun: 9am–10:30am; 9am–10:30am; Sun: 9am–4pm; Outreach and tenancy support for for support tenancy and Outreach Wed: 10am–5pm; Fri: 9am– Fri: 10am–5pm; Wed:
Mon: 10am–1pm; Tues–Fri: Tues–Fri: 10am–1pm; Mon: advice. Welfare benefits advice. advice. benefits Welfare advice. Mon, Tues, Thu: 9am–5pm; 9am–5pm; Thu: Tues, Mon,
02476 550033 02476 Drop-in and telephone housing housing telephone and Drop-in 0121 704 1515 704 0121
7 Lamb St, Coventry CV1 4AE CV1 Coventry St, Lamb 7 10am–8pm; Thu: 10am–2pm Thu: 10am–8pm; Solihull, Birmingham B37 5TX B37 Birmingham Solihull,
Bridge Drop-In Bridge Mon, Wed, Fri: 10am–6pm; Tues: Tues: 10am–6pm; Fri: Wed, Mon, 6/8 Coppice Way, Chelmsley Wood, Wood, Chelmsley Way, Coppice 6/8
Coventry Jesus Centre – The The – Centre Jesus Coventry 0345 6020 540; 0121 233 6370 233 0121 540; 6020 0345 (Chelmsley Wood) (Chelmsley
Birmingham B5 6HX B5 Birmingham Solihull Community Housing Housing Community Solihull
44 Bradford St, Digbeth, Digbeth, St, Bradford 44 AS, BS, BA, CL, DA, F, H, L, OB, TS OB, L, H, F, DA, CL, BA, BS, AS,
Services Centre Services Mon–Fri: 9:30am–4pm 9:30am–4pm Mon–Fri: BA, C, H, OB H, C, BA,
02476 228099 02476 Midland Heart – Homeless Homeless – Heart Midland lems, bereavement and loss. loss. and bereavement lems,
1 Bird Street, Coventry, CV1 1FX CV1 Coventry, Street, Bird 1 addiction, mental health prob- health mental addiction,
Coventry Cyrenians Coventry AS, AD, H AD, AS, are encountering homelessness, homelessness, encountering are
[email protected]. ment. Many people seeking help help seeking people Many ment.
CA, ET, LA, LF, OL LF, LA, ET, CA, office hours: 0121 525 4688 or or 4688 525 0121 hours: office support in a friendly environ- friendly a in support
For single men 18+. 18+. men single For Options Team for advice. Outside Outside advice. for Team Options rals. Practical intervention and and intervention Practical rals.
2pm–5pm; Fri: 1pm–4:30pm Fri: 2pm–5pm; homeless, contact the Housing Housing the contact homeless, Listening, advice and refer- and advice Listening,
Mon–Fri: 9am–12am; Mon–Thu: Mon–Thu: 9am–12am; Mon–Fri: If you are at risk of becoming becoming of risk at are you If 1.30–3.30pm; Sat: 10:30am–1pm Sat: 1.30–3.30pm;
024 7630 2694 7630 024 Mon–Fri: 8am–5:30pm Mon–Fri: Tue & Thu: 10.30am–12.30pm & & 10.30am–12.30pm Thu: & Tue
Chace Ave, Coventry CV3 3AB CV3 Coventry Ave, Chace 0121 569 6000 569 0121 Mon & Fri: 10:30am–12:30pm; 10:30am–12:30pm; Fri: & Mon
Chace Centre Chace Bromwich, Birmingham B70 8LU B70 Birmingham Bromwich, 0121 600 6536 600 0121
Court House, 335-337 High St, West West St, High 335-337 House, Court The Bullring, Birmingham B5 5BB B5 Birmingham Bullring, The
Housing Options (Sandwell) Options Housing St Martin in the Bullring Helpdesk Bullring the in Martin St DAY CENTRES AND DROP-INS AND CENTRES DAY
36 / The Pavement, February 2012
AS, AD, AW, BA, C D, ET, H, LA, OL, SH OL, LA, H, ET, D, C BA, AW, AD, AS,
AS, AS, BS, BE BA, DA, H L LF L H DA, BA, BE BS, AS, AS,
Free phone: 0800 073023 0800 phone: Free
Emergency accommodation. Emergency
asylum seekers and refugees. refugees. and seekers asylum
homeless people in Derby. Derby. in people homeless TS
Groups for young women, fathers, fathers, women, young for Groups
Assessment service for all single single all for service Assessment Phone 01384 815035 for details. details. for 815035 01384 Phone
emotional wellbeing and job search. search. job and wellbeing emotional
1pm–4pm (assessment) 1pm–4pm to access private rented property. property. rented private access to
housing, sex, drugs and alcohol, alcohol, and drugs sex, housing,
(emergency); Mon–Fri: Mon–Fri: (emergency); or threatened with homelessness homelessness with threatened or
Advice for people aged 11–25 on on 11–25 aged people for Advice
Mon–Sun: Open 24 hours hours 24 Open Mon–Sun: Helps people who are homeless homeless are who people Helps
12am–5pm; Sat: 1pm–3pm Sat: 12am–5pm;
01332 642150 01332 Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
Mon–Thu: 12am–6pm; Fri: Fri: 12am–6pm; Mon–Thu:
Lane, Derby DE1 1RX DE1 Derby Lane, 0300 555 2345 555 0300
01902 572040 01902
Milestone House, 93 Green Green 93 House, Milestone Birmingham DY1 1JG DY1 Birmingham
Wolverhampton WV1 1ST WV1 Wolverhampton
Derbyshire Housing Aid Housing Derbyshire 15–17 St James’s Rd, Dudley, Dudley, Rd, James’s St 15–17
Castle House, Wheelers Fold, Fold, Wheelers House, Castle
Dudley Housing Office, Office, Housing Dudley
Base 25 Base
Dudley Tenancy Guarantee Guarantee Tenancy Dudley BA, DA, ET, OL, TS OL, ET, DA, BA,
Info about local services. services. local about Info
ADVICE SERVICES ADVICE
etc. Tenancy-related problems. problems. Tenancy-related etc. AS, H AS,
GP, schools, work and college college and work schools, GP, call 0300 555 8283 for help. for 8283 555 0300 call
0 added: Services
efits, debt, registering with a a with registering debt, efits, the weekend or outside office hours, hours, office outside or weekend the
2 entries: Updated Advice and assistance on ben- on assistance and Advice If you find yourself homeless over over homeless yourself find you If
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri: Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri:
[email protected] 01384 237555 01384 01384 815035 01384
thepavement.org.uk - or email: or - thepavement.org.uk Dudley DY2 7DJ DY2 Dudley mingham DY1 1HP DY1 mingham
gestions visit our website - www. - website our visit gestions 98-99 Dixons Green Rd, Rd, Green Dixons 98-99 5 St James Rd, Dudley, Bir- Dudley, Rd, James St 5
If you’ve any changes or sug- or changes any you’ve If CHADD Outreach Support Service Support Outreach CHADD Dudley Area Housing Office Office Housing Area Dudley
Tenancy support – TS – support Tenancy Leisure facilities – LF – facilities Leisure Counselling – C – Counselling
SSAFA – SS – SSAFA Leisure activities – LA – activities Leisure Clothing – CL – Clothing
Sexual health advice – SH – advice health Sexual Laundry – L – Laundry Careers advice – CA – advice Careers
Safe keeping – SK – keeping Safe Internet access – IT – access Internet Bedding available – BE – available Bedding
Pavement stockist – P – stockist Pavement Housing/accom advice – H – advice Housing/accom Bathroom/showers – BS – Bathroom/showers
Outreach workers – OB – workers Outreach Foot care – FC – care Foot Benefits advice – BA – advice Benefits
Outreach worker links – OL – links worker Outreach Food – F – Food Barber – B – Barber
Needle exchange – NE – exchange Needle Free food – FF – food Free Art classes – AC – classes Art
Music classes – MC – classes Music Education/training – ET – Education/training A A – workers lcohol
Mental health – MH – health Mental Drugs workers – D – workers Drugs Advocacy – AD – Advocacy
Medical services – MS – services Medical Dentist – DT – Dentist Accom. assistance – AS – assistance Accom.
Luggage stowage – LS – stowage Luggage Debt advice – DA – advice Debt Key to this list: this to Key
Updated 30 January 2012 January 30 Updated services homeless Midlands’ West the of Directory