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Streetlife (charity)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Streetlife is a registered charity based in Blackpool, United Kingdom. The charity was founded in 1982 and their shelter opened in 1992.[1] Their aim is to provide shelter and support to young homeless people across North West England aged between 16-25.[2] Around 400 young people access Streetlife's services each year.[3]

Streetlife's current CEO is Jane Hugo.[4] There are also 6 full-time and 5 part-time staff members, in addition to 35 volunteers working for the charity.[5] Volunteers come from countries such as Ghana, New Zealand, Spain and Germany to work for the charity. Streetlife receives support from The Amy Winehouse Foundation [6] and Children In Need. In 2010, the charity was presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.[7]

Due to austerity measures, in 2014 Streetlife received news that they would lose £100,000 in funding [8] from Blackpool Council.

Mission

The charity's mission is to support young homeless people in Blackpool.[9] It operates a night shelter,[10] which is open each night and located next to St Johns Church, Blackpool.[11] During the day, Streetlife operates a 'Base'[12] located on Buchanan Street. The Base offers support, advice, personal consultations on housing, finance, and help with finding gainful employment.[13]

Campaigns and projects

In 2013, Streetlife created the '£5 What can it buy?' campaign. The ongoing fundraiser highlights what £5 can buy for young homeless people.[14] The campaign encourages individuals and businesses to set up a direct debit of £5 a month to Streetlife to help support the overall operations of the charity.[15]

In 2014, Streetlife partnered with international media licensing company Amurco to launch 'StreetSound'. The project consisted of 8 weekly songwriting workshops to create a song with the young homeless people from Streetlife.[16] The song was released as part of a campaign to boost external funding for the charity[17] and receives donations though the JustGiving page.[18]

References

  1. ^ "Did you know - THE STREETLIFE TRUST". THE STREETLIFE TRUST.
  2. ^ "Youth service".
  3. ^ "Night shelter housing benefit decision".
  4. ^ "Cash boost for under-threat resort shelter".
  5. ^ http://www.homelessuk.org/details.asp?id=UK32861
  6. ^ "About - THE STREETLIFE TRUST". THE STREETLIFE TRUST.
  7. ^ "Young Lancashire members' score hat-trick with her Majesty's prestigious award - Young Lancashire".
  8. ^ "Funding hopes are dashed".
  9. ^ "HRH Princess Anne visits Lattitude Global Volunteering volunteers and staff « Press Release « Lattitude Global Volunteering".
  10. ^ "The Shelter - Streetlife".
  11. ^ Steve Howarth - The Master. "Get shelter - Blackpool Homeless".
  12. ^ "Upcoming Events - THE STREETLIFE TRUST". THE STREETLIFE TRUST.
  13. ^ "Centre Details".
  14. ^ "Support Us - THE STREETLIFE TRUST". THE STREETLIFE TRUST.
  15. ^ "Young homeless charity Streetlife desperate for donations as it faces closure".
  16. ^ "Streetsound: Streetlife Flex Their Creative Muscles Against Budget Cuts - altBlackpool". altBlackpool.
  17. ^ "Blackpool homeless charity releases fundraising song". ITV News.
  18. ^ "Streetlife Release Fundraising Song - THE STREETLIFE TRUST". THE STREETLIFE TRUST.