Changing Lives

Last week as part of World Homeless Day in an effort to provide accessible eye care within the local community, Specsavers Ashington held an out-of-hours clinic. Offering free eye tests and glasses after business hours to create a comfortable and quieter environment where those in need could speak to a healthcare professional. Our Project Lead Nicole had this to say: "We are proud to be partnering with Specsavers, Ashington this World Homeless Day to offer free eye tests to people experiencing rough sleeping. Good vision is vital to wellbeing and independence, along with making a big difference to people's comfort, confidence and health. Together we're helping to make eye care more accessible for everyone."

The Changing Lives Quality and Impact Team took the opportunity to come together in person at one of our Doncaster services last week for an away day 💜 It was a great opportunity to reflect on our work so far in 2025, identify areas for continued development and take time to understand how our work streams overlap and how we can support each other across our services nationally. Our team took the opportunity also to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth with some really inspirational stories, some Jamaican bun and cheese, and flavours inspired by the Caribbean 🇯🇲

Last week was #WorldHomelessDay as well as #WorldMentalHealthDay 💜 Throughout the week our Changing Lives teams took the opportunity to raise awareness, channel creativity and develop their skillsets. 🎓 In Durham and Darlington, our teams joined Durham University’s Freshers Fair to raise awareness about our Exploitation, Modern Slavery and Netreach support services. Students got involved in conversations around safety and red flags in relationships, thanks to our eye-catching melon display! Big thanks to Chloe, Danielle, Koops, and Laura! 🎨 In Doncaster, we have been working closely with men seeking asylum, helping break down barriers to integration through creative health sessions. Our weekly drumming workshop has been a huge success, with participants performing at two local events. We’re now delivering around 25 sessions a week, supporting people from over 30 countries through accredited courses, wellbeing groups, advocacy, and one-to-one support. 🍲 At one of our North East based supported accommodation projects, our colleagues brought staff and residents together by cooking up a sausage casserole using ingredients generously donated. 🌸 Over at our supported accommodation services in Roker, a resident now moving on to their own tenancy left a lovely thank-you card and flowers, highlighting the importance of our work and ensuring those we support has the opportunity to live a safe and fulfilling life. 🍝 The young people in our Dagenham-based supported accommodation got hands on in the kitchen, preparing spaghetti bolognese from scratch, further developing their cooking skills.

One whole week since the Sea Dip... 🌊 🥶 A massive thank you to We Move Fitness and to everyone who joined us to take the plunge and raise vital funds. Your generosity is helping us continue our mission to support people experiencing homelessness across the North East and beyond. With your support we managed to raise over £2,100 🤝

It was fantastic seeing everyone today at our stall in the Community Quarter of Eldon Square 👋 As part of #WorldHomelessDay we were helping to raise awareness of homelessness and the life changing work we provide across Newcastle, the North East and beyond. A huge thank you Eldon Square for choosing us as one of their Charities to support as well as to our wonderful volunteers from Unique Magazines and Newcastle Building Society who helped us raise awareness and funds for our services 💜

So far this year alone we have supported over 10,500 people. All people with unique experiences, circumstances, hopes and dreams 💜 We've also supported over 5,000 people to move on from our services, taking their next steps towards independence. Here at Changing Lives we deliver frontline services nationally supporting people experiencing the challenges of homelessness. We offer practical help for people facing tough times, and prioritise long term and localised solutions based on what someone needs to thrive 🤝 #WorldHomelessDay #WorldMentalHealthDay

In 2024, rough sleeping increased by 20%, that's why we need your for your support across the Christmas period starting today, World Homeless Day. For just £5, you can help us provide a warm space and Christmas meal to those homeless across Newcastle. We're working closely with North East Updates and Café 16 at Newcastle Cathedral, operated by Oswin Project to support those in need🤝 Make someone's Christmas for £5 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sUscM9 *Based on the official Rough Sleeping Snapshot

Homeless Links ‘Our Unhealthy State of Homelessness’ research found that 82% of people experiencing homelessness have a mental health diagnosis ❗ Tomorrow marks World Mental Health Day and today we're announcing that Changing Lives is now providing Mental Health Support across South Tyneside. We understand that mental health is a significant factor for people facing homelessness. That’s why our service will now offer both Mental Health Support and Floating Support, helping people to stay in their homes and reducing the need for hospital admissions related to mental health. As a charity delivering frontline services, we remain committed to addressing the full range of circumstances affecting the people we support. Please support our work and become a life changer today ➡️ https://bit.ly/4nDLQ61 #WorldMentalHealthDay #WorldHomelessDay

Recently one of our Changing Lives teams in Doncaster welcomed Damian Allan, Chief Executive of Doncaster Council, and Mark Smith, Visiting Professor of Public Service Innovation at The Manchester Metropolitan University during scheduled welfare walkabouts. Damian joined the our City Centre Outreach team, while Mark observed work across the wider borough. The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with frontline staff and gain insight into the operational challenges and approaches used in helping those we support. Following the visit, we received some fantastic feedback from Damian: “Seeing the professional commitment and passion channelled through a values-led, citizen-centric approach was humbling… The phrase ‘It’s the small Ws (wins)’ really stuck with us.” Thanks to Ryan, Kane, Stephen, Beth, and colleagues from both Outreach and SP Navigator teams for facilitating the visit and representing the Complex Lives Alliance partnership 🙌

Making sure no one is left behind in Wor City 💜 Recently we've been raising awareness of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness across Newcastle on match days. Football’s all about community, and Newcastle fans know how to show up for their city, on and off the pitch. Together we can change the game for people experiencing homelessness 🤝 Please donate to support our work in the community here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4nDLQ61