Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, £75,000 has been awarded by The Health Lottery Foundation to support the work of Crisis, helping people who are experiencing homelessness.
The funding will strengthen Crisis’ frontline services in London, including its Christmas provision and year-round support delivered through Crisis Skylight centres.
Recently, Delva Patman, CEO of The Health Lottery Foundation visited the organisation. The London Skylight provides free support to people experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness, around housing, employment and training and health and wellbeing activities. They provide one-to-one housing support based on need, to help end people’s homelessness sustainably. The charity’s health and wellbeing projects include arts activities, Clinical Psychology, and a visiting opticians service.
The £75,000 grant will help ensure Crisis can continue to respond flexibly to rising demand and deliver tailored support to those who need it most.
Dulal Ahmed, Director of Crisis Skylight London, who oversees the London Skylight homelessness service, said: “Every day we change someone’s life. We shouldn’t have to be doing this and the need for our support shouldn’t be growing but it is. Our range of services enable us to be flexible in our approach, and we can pivot as and when needed to ensure the best support available. We couldn’t do any of this without amazing supporters such as the Health Lottery Foundation.”
Michelle Furne, Trust and Statutory Executive at Crisis, responsible for securing funding and developing propositions for services across Great Britain, said: “The grant from the Health Lottery Foundation contributed towards Crisis’ Christmas services which includes a mix of hotel provision and day centres. We offer warmth, a safe place to stay, and specialist support during one of the toughest times of the year and this helps people take their first steps out of homelessness.”
Ian Richards, Head of Crisis at Christmas, who oversees all Crisis’ Christmas service provision, said: “Through Crisis at Christmas we really try to offer the warmth and companionship, alongside a range of services, that can help people feel supported and start a life out of homelessness.”
To date, £136 million has been raised by players of The Health Lottery for good causes across Great Britain. Martin Ellice, Managing Director of The Health Lottery said, “We’re grateful to everyone who plays The Health Lottery. Their play means we can step in at a time that’s especially hard for many people. Being able to help Crisis matters, and this funding will make a real difference.”
