BHT Sussex
BHT Sussex Christmas Appeal 2022
We can't change the past for the people sleeping rough on our city's streets. But together we can give the gift of a better future when they arrive at First Base.
Story
"To you all at First Base. You gave my son the support, advice and open-armed welcome that has made the huge difference to his road to recovery... M reached rock bottom... and was then referred to your wonderful centre, he gradually has come back to us as the old M that we knew and loved. He has asked me to make a donation to First Base instead of giving him Christmas presents so I enclose a cheque for £50 and hope it goes some small way in enabling you to carry on doing the wonderful work that you do. God bless you all and huge thanks." - A thank you card from a client's mother.
First Base Day Centre is often the first point of contact for people who find themselves on the streets. It provides those things you and I might take for granted: a warm and safe environment, toilets and showers, clean and dry clothes, hot drinks and meals. The staff team also help people to move into accommodation or supported residential services, to secure employment and to access the key services they need to support their recovery.
Last year 578 different people used the centre and we helped 271 individuals who were sleeping rough to move off the street and into safe accommodation.
BHT Sussex is now working with more people than ever before. Last year we worked with 9,702 people, up from 6,847 in the year before the pandemic. Through First Base, our Advice centres and support services, we helped to prevent 1,777 households from becoming homeless. We are seeing people (young, old, families, middle-aged couples) who never thought in a hundred years they would need our services being absolutely devastated by homelessness.
It is a sad reality that our services are needed more today than ever before. And your support for our work at First Base is needed more than ever before as the pressures of covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis really take effect. Please support our Christmas Appeal and donate what you can, a little really can go a long way.
Every donation made to this appeal will go to First Base Day Centre.
Support First Base today. A donation of £38 could fund a personal care package for a person sleeping rough.
Your donation will mean that each client will receive:
- A warm welcome
- Hot meals, including a delicious Christmas dinner
- A chance to shower, freshen up and get clean clothes
- Laundry facilities
- Access to medical treatment, optician and podiatrist
- Expert help with mental health and addiction problems
- Advice on housing, employment and benefits