THE FUTURE of the North Worcestershire Basement Project’s Drop-In service has been secured for the next three years after it was revealed the charity will receive a further £256,977 of funding from the Big Lottery.
The amount – a continuation of a previous agreement with the BLF – will be spread out over those three years. It does not cover the whole cost of funding the service but, along with others from the Henry Smith charity and Bromsgrove District Council, provides a substantial amount towards it. The support of other funders, such as trusts, local organisations, and donations are still needed to cover the total cost.
The Basement Project, in Hanover Street, supports young people who are homeless, facing homelessness or who have issues relating to being homelessness.
The drop-in service offers help and support, assistance with filling in forms and benefit applications, washing and laundry facilities and practical help, including food parcels and hot meals.
Jackie Hooper, who was the charity’s operations manager but has now been made its chief executive officer, said the project had been very fortunate over the past three years and with the current funding applications.
“We sincerely hope that other funders will be able to continue with their support which is an important and valuable part of the financial structure of the drop-in.”
But the chair of trustees Ann Holmes said the drop-in was just one part of the Basement Project’s aims.
Another part is floating support which helps young people live independently, provides emotional and well-being help and support, budgeting advice and exploring education, employment and training opportunities.
Mrs Holmes added: “We have seen in the past that when we announce a successful bid for funding, support from other areas drop as there is a feeling that we are fully funded and no longer need financial support from our regular and occasional supporters in the area, but that is not the case.
“However we are delighted with these recent successes.”
The Basement Project has also recently been part of a successful bid,
submitted by Wyre Forest Nightstop, that will see it provide a similar drop-in service in Kidderminster, also funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid visited at the end of July for an update on how things were going.
During the visit, Basement trustee David Morgan asked Mr Javid about funding to support previously or potentially homeless young people who had acquired a tenancy and needed help in maintaining it.
“Many of these young people, living for the first time away from their parental home, and in their first tenancy, do not always know what their responsibilities and rights are and if they lose that tenancy through not understanding what they need to do, they will struggle to get another one and are then in danger of becoming homeless.”
Mr Javid said: “The Basement Project does a wonderful job in helping young people in our community who are homeless or face homelessness.
“That’s why I’ve raised the importance of continuing to support this brilliant community facility with Worcestershire County Council.”
To contact the Basement Project, e-mail [email protected] or call 01527 832993.
Alternatively, go to www.bromsgrovebasementproject.org.uk for more information.
