South Yorkshire Housing Association has an enduring commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe, secure home to live in. In 1972, our organisation was founded by John Belcher after he watched Ken Loach’s Cathy Come Home – a devastating drama about a family experiencing homelessness. Today is World Homeless Day, and we’re sharing more about how we work with different people and organisations to offer effective support and end homelessness.
Homes for Cathy
Homes for Cathy is a group of housing associations, charities and local authorities working together to end homelessness. Our members aim to meet the seven Homes for Cathy commitments, and get together to share resources, knowledge and best practice.
Today, Homes for Cathy is sharing stories about services and support that have helped people experiencing homelessness. We’re proud that this includes a case study on ‘Z’ and our Indigo Project, and how we support people that are sleeping rough to find and settle in a safe, stable home.
Changing Futures
Poppy is one of our Changing Futures Peer Support workers. The Changing Futures programme creates opportunities for people who have experienced multiple disadvantage – including homelessness, domestic abuse, and mental health conditions – to improve systems and services in Sheffield.
Earlier this year, Poppy shared more about her role and lived experience for a submission for the Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness. Thank you to Poppy for your honesty and insight, and for everything you and the team bring to the programme. The generosity, skills and commitment of our Changing Futures associates and colleagues are contributing to improving the support offered to people experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness.
Cuthbert Bank
Cuthbert Bank is our home for families experiencing homelessness. We offer a two or three bedroom home, support from our keyworkers, and activities and opportunities for parents and children in our communal spaces.
Over the summer, the Cuthbert Bank team created a new event for our customers. They brought together a local dentist, nurse, health inclusion team, family hub manager and trauma-informed team to offer activities, tests, guidance, and information about other services. We’ve had some lovely feedback from our customers about the event – a big thank you to everyone that joined us!
We’d like to thank our customers, teams, partners and funders that have worked with us on these projects, and on our other homeless services and support.
