City of Wolverhampton Council and its partners will be marking World Homeless Day on Friday (October 10).

To raise awareness of the year-round work in the city to tackle homelessness there will be a special information stall in Dudley Street, outside McDonald’s, on October 10 from 11am to 3pm.

Staff from the council and partner organisations including the P3 Charity, Wolverhampton BID on behalf of Alternative Giving CIO, Good Shepherd and Changing Lives will be on hand to talk about support available.

Friday also marks World Mental Health Day and recognises these issues are often interlinked. Mental health issues can often make it difficult for a person to secure or maintain accommodation without support, and housing and financial insecurity can worsen mental health problems.

Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, said: “World Homeless Day is an opportunity to focus on the challenges faced by people without a safe and secure place to call home and the support available to help them regain control of their lives.

“Homelessness can be connected to a variety of circumstances, and we have always been clear that no single organisation can prevent the problem alone.

“We have developed strong partnerships locally and whether it’s through outreach, mental health support, or access to housing, we’re committed to making a real difference, leaving no one behind.”

Head of Support and Community Services Sam Bailey said: “At P3 Charity in Wolverhampton, we support people experiencing and at risk of homelessness every day of the year. While World Homelessness Day gives us an opportunity to talk about the importance of our work it is a struggle that doesn't end when the world stops talking about it. 

“Our services are a lifeline for many; offering safety, compassion and the chance to rebuild so that the people we support can look forward to a future with a place to call home.

“This is made possible through collaboration with local experts across the city and in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council: Tackling homelessness is a team effort and year-round commitment, and we encourage anyone in need of housing support to reach out to us.”

Other events in the city to mark World Homeless Day include:

• Recovery is for Everyone art exhibition at The Hub at Wolverhampton Railway Station until the end of October featuring artists who attend the weekly Good Shepherd art group.

• Understanding Homelessness and Depression: The Experience of Dads roundtable event on October 10 from 11.30am until 1.30pm at St. George's HUB, St Mark’s Road, Wolverhampton. Book your place with Andy on 01902 421904.

• Preventing and Tackling Homelessness with Faith and Community Groups at Good Shepherd, Waterloo Road, on October 10 between 9:30am and 11am. Any community groups or faith groups that would like to take part can visit Marketing Form

If you would like to take action to help, Alternative Giving gathers donations online or through its cash donation points and two ‘tap to donate’ points in the city centre. Find out more at Wolverhampton Change.

For housing and homelessness advice, visit Homelessness. If you are homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless very soon, contact Homeless Services on 01902 556789 (option 2) or via Homeless.services@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Seen someone sleeping rough? Connect them with support by making a referral through StreetLink.

For information about support services for homeless people see Street Support Wolverhampton.

Good Shepherd Wolverhampton and P3 offer support programmes for those in crisis and people experiencing homelessness, including help with accessing accommodation.

Tailored advice for landlords and tenants in the private sector can be found at Rent With Confidence.

Support with the cost of living support is available through the council at Cost of Living Support and further information can be found on the Government's Help for Households website.