Volunteers sought for campaign to end homelessness in Brighton and Hove

The first part of the campaign will see volunteers take part in Connections Week, running from November 28 to December 1, getting out and speaking to rough sleepers about what solutions they would like to see when it comes to homelessness, as well as their needs and aspirations.

This information will then be analysed, and used to form recommendations for local services.

The project, called Galvanise Brighton and Hove, is led by the YMCA DownsLink Group and Brighton YMCA with support from St. Mungo’s, The Passage , Fulfilling Lives and Brighton and Hove City Council, as well as a variety of businesses including Pret a Manger, British Airways i360 and local politicians including Councillor Claire Moonan, the local lead for rough sleepers.

It is part of the European campaign to End Street Homelessness, a project which has seen 1,000 volunteers survey rough sleepers in cities across Europe, including Valencia, Barcelona and Croydon and Westminster in London.

Chas Walker, CEO of YMCA DownsLink Group, said: “I am really pleased that we have put ourselves forward to play a leading role in this important campaign. Like many who live in Brighton, I love the city’s inclusive and progressive culture, but the increase in rough sleeping in our city is distressing. I believe that our community of Brighton and Hove wants to be empowered to do more, to be part of the solution and that is what will make this campaign so special.”

To find out more, and to volunteer during Connections Week, visit: www.galvanisebh.org or email [email protected]