Last Updated on: 16th September 2024, 10:23 am
Earlier this year, we were proud to partner with local charity Simon on the Streets. They approached us with an idea to help with their fundraising events and we were pleased to do what we could. Simon on the Streets does incredible work in Leeds and Bradford, which is only becoming more important. The charity’s funding comes from public or corporate donations, so their volunteers work tirelessly to get donations. You can find out more about the charity on their website but we wanted to give a bit of background here.
What is Simon on the Streets?
Simon on the Streets is an independent charity in West Yorkshire that helps the homeless and vulnerable. They aim to “[provide] hope to those without a voice”.
For over 24 years, the charity has been helping people who are rough sleeping, sofa surfing and at risk of homelessness in Leeds and Bradford. They offer emotional and practical support for individuals for as long as they need. This includes assisting with:
- Accessing accommodation
- Linking into primary healthcare for their physical and mental health
- Working with addiction services or specialists in trauma-informed care
They use their online platform to educate the public about the problems of social isolation and homelessness. Using social media, blogs and events to raise awareness.
Who do they help?
Simon on the Streets works with a range of people with complex needs. This can include rough sleepers, sofa surfers and the vulnerably housed. Their work is centred around people. This means they establish the wants and needs of each client and work with them to achieve their goals.
On a practical level, they work with housing options teams and other commissioned services across local areas. The aim is to help get clients into emergency and long-term accommodation with the appropriate wrap-around support.
Their Own Words
“Our mission is to provide support to those people in our community who are often excluded from, or who refuse, the intervention of other services, with a view to empower them to change their lives. We provide practical and emotional support to those who are rough sleeping or vulnerably housed. We work closely with those complex clients who have fallen through the gaps of other services or lost faith and trust in commissioned providers.”
Why are they necessary?
Last year, the charity Shelter revealed that at least 2,101 people in West Yorkshire were homeless on any given night in 2022. That’s equivalent to 1 in every 1,119 people. Shelter’s statistics also showed that 975 children were living without a home. 53 of the homeless people were sleeping rough and 2,048 were living in temporary accommodation.
The stats speak for themselves. Charities like Simon on the Street are able to provide support and assistance for people who find themselves in a vulnerable position. Through their tireless fundraising efforts, they can give a bit of hope to people in difficult situations.
View the stories on their website to see how the charity have already helped people in West Yorkshire.
Pendle Partnership
Pendle is a big supporter of local charities and we’re always happy to help worthy causes. We understand how important the work of Simon on the Streets is, so we wanted to help in our own way.
Part of the charity’s fundraising efforts revolves around physical challenges. Volunteers have signed up for marathons and hikes to raise money. We were happy to provide a selection of customised medals to be handed out to everyone participating in the 2024 running and walking events.
We’ll also be providing customised running tops so everyone can represent the charity during their run. This year, fundraisers will take on the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the Leeds Half Marathon in May. Then there’s the Leeds 10K in June. Good luck to everyone taking part. We hope you raise plenty of money.
How You Can Get Involved
You can show your support for Simon on the Streets in multiple ways. You can help with fundraising so they can carry on their important work. All the spaces for their 2024 running events have been taken but there are still places for their Three Peaks Challenge.
On Saturday 27th July, the team will take on the Three Peaks Challenge. If you sign up, you’ll receive:
- Simon on the Streets polyester walking t-shirt
- Support with your fundraising before, during and after the event
- Professional training walks organised by Overlimits
- Simon on the Streets charity medal after completion
There’s a registration of £40 + booking fee and a minimum fundraising target of £200. You can sign up for a place or contact the charity for more information. Scroll down to see the official poster for the event.
Alternatively, you can even volunteer for the charity. You’ll get full training before heading out with their support staff. Go to their website for more details.
