Lloyds Bank Foundation is supporting The Bridge Homelessness to Hope charity in Leicester with a three-year unrestricted grant of £75,000. The funding will support the homeless charity’s core services, including individual casework, mental and physical health services, breakfast provision, access to hot showers, as well as the availability of clothing, toiletries, and washing and drying facilities.
Recent data from Leicester City Council showed that the number of reported rough sleepers in the city has increased. There were 464 individuals reported to be rough sleeping in 2023/24, compared to 447 in the previous year.
Lloyds Bank Foundation is an independent charitable foundation, funded by Lloyds Banking Group. It works in partnership with small and local charities, people and communities, changing lives and working towards a more just and compassionate society.
One of the people being helped by The Bridge Homelessness to Hope is AB. After losing both parents within a few months, being cuckooed, and robbed of their savings, AB ended up with severe depression and anxiety, resulting in getting stuck in a homelessness cycle. When AB visited us, we were able to refer them to the NHS Homeless Mental Health Team to re-engage with mental health support, which in turn allowed us to assist them with housing applications and their Universal Credit claim.
We were then able to help them secure a property with a Housing Association. During the time they were homeless we were able to support them with food and clothing and provide them a warm safe place, off the streets, during the day. Once accommodated, we were able to help them obtain furniture and support them to set up payments for their rent and utilities. This was crucial in ensuring they have a chance to remain in the property and move their life forward.
The grant period started in July 2023 and will be completed in three years.
Gary Beharrell, Regional Manager, Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: “Small and local charities like The Bridge Homelessness to Hope play a vital role in Leicester. As the number of people pushed into homelessness continues to rise amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, The Bridge provides a lifeline to many with nowhere else to turn to.
“We’re delighted to be continuing our support for The Bridge who have continued to plug the gaps in local services by keeping people safe and helping them rebuild their lives.”
David Fawcett, Chief Executive of The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, added: “We’re indebted to the support of funders such as the Lloyds Bank Foundation. Their support is vital as we seek to extend our services to a growing number of people who are finding themselves in a position of homelessness.”
