A new partnership has launched on World Homeless Day (Friday October 10th) aimed at helping people who are experiencing street homelessness in Wolverhampton take their first steps back into employment.
The Big Issue, local homeless charity the Good Shepherd and the City of Wolverhampton Council will join forces to offer practical support and opportunities to those experiencing homelessness.
The partnership will be anchored around the Good Shepherd’s breakfast club, which offers people who have been sleeping on the streets the night before the chance to have a cooked breakfast, a hot shower, access to clean clothing and advice and guidance to help them back into accommodation. The Big Issue team will be present at the breakfast club to provide information and guidance to service users on how to get involved.
Pictured left to right, Mohammed Afzal, Tom Hayden and Councillor Obaida Ahmed.
Tom Hayden Chief Executive at the Good Shepherd said:
“At the Good Shepherd our mission is to end homelessness, support recovery and create pathways out of poverty. This partnership with The Big Issue and City of Wolverhampton Council will offer individuals experiencing street homelessness another pathway to rebuild their lives.
“Whether it starts with a meal or a conversation at our breakfast club, every step forward matters, and we’re committed to walking alongside people on their journey to recovery.”
Those who sign up will receive one-to-one support from The Big Issue, helping them navigate the process of becoming vendors and building confidence through meaningful work. A dedicated pitch in Wolverhampton City Centre has already been agreed with the Council, ensuring participants have a safe and visible space to begin their journey.
The Big Issue will also be present in the city to engage with the public, raising awareness that Big Issue tenders will be in place and encouraging the public to support the initiative.
Mohammed Afzal, Big Issue’s Frontline Area Manager in the West Midlands said:
“At Big Issue Group, we’re on a mission to dismantle poverty in the UK through social business solutions. Turning handouts into hand-ups.
“The partnership with Good Shepherd and City of Wolverhampton Council provides an amazing opportunity anyone who is struggling and wishes to improve their lives by selling the magazine, particularly in supporting those people who are currently homeless. We should see more vendors in and around the city. If anyone see a vendor, please do stop and have a chat with them, and buy the magazine if you can. It’s well worth the read.”
The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said:
“This will give homeless people, or individuals at risk of homelessness in Wolverhampton, an opportunity to step into employment earning a legitimate income.
“It can help them regain stability and independence with the right support, having a positive impact on the wider city.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said:
“This project will help further develop our already strong partnerships across the city which are crucial in helping tackle homelessness together leading to healthier communities.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to tackling homelessness in the city through empowerment, dignity, and employment.
