CROYDON VOLUNTARY ACTION’s Post

We are one of 108 NSW organisations and groups who have made a joint submission with #RaiseTheAgeNSW in #NSWPol to the NSW Government Inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. We all want communities to be safer. We’re calling on the NSW Government to: - Resource and support Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to work with First Nations children, families, and communities. - Invest in services that prevent crime from the start. - Fund targeted services and interventions that help kids learn to be accountable, and do better, when they go off track. - Be guided by evidence and #RaiseTheAgeNSW from 10 to at least 14 without exception. The group backing the submission is diverse, and includes Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, peak bodies, large charities, small community and place-based organisations, and influential and respected voices and experts from across NSW and Australia. Cara Varian CEO, NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) says, "We all want communities to be safe, and we need to keep kids out of the criminal system. A purely punitive system does not work. We require a holistic approach that invests in critical community services that prevent crime from the start. Ensuring that services such as youth and family support services, homelessness, and mental health are funded adequately and available to all communities in regional and rural NSW will help kids get the support they need to thrive." To learn more and join the Raise the Age campaign, visit https://lnkd.in/dReSZB4G

It's been a challenging week for many in the midst of far-right riots, and here at CAM we were especially saddened to see CITIZENS ADVICE SUNDERLAND attacked at the weekend. As local charities who exist to help people find a way forward, it's heartbreaking to have this ability limited. What has been uplifting, however, has been the show of solidarity and community as people have rallied round in support, making us feel incredibly proud to be part of the Citizens Advice network. There is no place for hate. As a proudly anti-racist service, we will always strive to support those who find themselves at the sharp end of discrimination. We're also a hate crime reporting centre, just another way that we can be there to support people in times of crisis. We are the people's champion. We are Citizens Advice. #NoPlaceForHate #PeoplesChampion #WeAreCitizensAdvice https://lnkd.in/eSQeQwP6

Great to see support for young people and Foyers by Minister #MeaghanScanlon #Housing #LocalGovernment in #Queensland 👊 There are already 40k young people in Australia experiencing #homelessness for a variety of reasons. However even more young people's futures are at serious risk with the current #costoflivingcrisis. In #Queensland alone, 6 more #Foyers would support 2,000 more young people with safe #accommodation #education & #employment pathways. This is an incredible opportunity for #Government & local #communities to back young people. The #social #cultural #economic #roi is a no brainer - everyone benefits when young people thrive - but the world is changing fast, learning and work are not standing still. We must be proactive in ensuring every young person's potential, contribution and transition to independence is not some distant, unattainable dream, but a lived reality for all #nooneleftbehind 👊 #FoyerFoundation #youngpeople #Foyers #beyondyouthhomelessness #underoneroof #advantagethinking

Homeless support in Britain poem In Britain's streets, where hope seems far, A helping hand is not too far. For those without a place to stay, There's support to light the way. Dial Streetlink on your phone, Let them know you're not alone. Local councils lend an ear, To find you shelter, draw you near. Charities stand ready to aid, With food and warmth, don't be afraid. Citizen's Advice can guide your path, To benefits and legal aftermath. Day centers offer respite's peace, A chance to rest, find brief release. Hostels provide a temporary bed, A roof above your weary head. Remember, you have rights to claim, Regardless of your current shame. Seek medical care when in need, Your health and wellbeing to heed. The journey's hard, but don't lose heart, Each step you take is a new start. Reach out for help, it's there for you, In Britain's net of support so true. written by BNT psuk https://lnkd.in/eyWis-E9

Homelessness and its underlying causes are multifaceted. The term covers a range of situations, including people sleeping rough, single individuals living in emergency or temporary supported accommodation, households legally recognised as homeless and seeking assistance from local authorities, and the 'hidden homeless'—such as those ‘sofa surfing’. The growing homeless population presents considerable challenges for agencies striving to provide preventive support and interventions that address complex needs. This tool has been designed to assist practitioners from statutory bodies, charities, and third-sector organizations in gathering information in a way that enables lawful decision-making and fosters effective interventions. These interventions uphold key safeguarding principles, including empowering adults at risk to take steps to protect themselves. To access the full toolkit, click here - https://lnkd.in/em-qg5Dj #HomelessnessAwareness #SocialImpact #CommunitySupport #ECPSafeguarding

Imagine facing the prospect of having nowhere to call home. A relationship breakup, a no-fault eviction, being a victim of domestic violence—whatever the cause, the reality of it is terrifying. We would all like to think that in our darkest moment, assistance would be provided by those we elect to administer the essential services that so many of us now rely on. Think again! “Gatekeeping”, is a term attributed to the only too common practice by local authorities, of denying the very assistance they are legally bound to provide to those unfortunate enough to find themselves facing homelessness. Faced with such trauma, would you have the wit to challenge the wall of officialdom, “I know my rights”. Fortunately, those who find themselves in this situation in Bedford, have hope in the form of JustUs. A small, but truly impactful charity, challenging the system on our behalf. One can only imagine the outcomes for those living in areas where such an organization does not exist. Here at Project EIDOS, we are only too happy to support and promote the fantastic work JustUs are performing in our local community and invite other businesses to take a closer look at how they can get involved with initiatives in their areas. https://lnkd.in/ehb7QXvW

People might ask, 'How is PCAS different?' Well, the reasons are numerous, and our distinctiveness is crucial to the Shropshire community we serve. Here's a glimpse into some of the fundamental services we provide: 1️⃣ Long-Term Support: PCAS ensures continuity by working with clients throughout their journey, eliminating the need to repeat their stories. This fosters trust, stability, and enduring solutions. 2️⃣ Advocacy Plus Service: Our advocates go beyond the norm, addressing a spectrum of issues to promote lasting independence and stability, not just resolving standalone problems. 3️⃣ Understanding Complex Needs: With an average of 3.5 disabilities and 15 issues per client, PCAS builds lasting relationships to guide individuals through comprehensive issue resolutions and implement long-term strategies. 4️⃣ Free Support: Thanks to our partners, we provide free services to the most vulnerable, ensuring accessibility for those least able to tap into other available support services. 5️⃣ 100% Independent: As a registered charity with no affiliations, PCAS offers clients fully independent support tailored to their circumstances and preferences. #PCAS #Shropshire #CommunitySupport

Over the past couple of weeks I have looked on at horror at the widespread violence across England and Northern Ireland, I have remained silent because it's take me a while to process and try and understand the unrest. As someone who cares deeply about all communities across the country I am horrified about the profound and distressing impact on friends, amazing colleagues and loved ones. But over the past few days, as the riots, demonstrations have started to die down; I see that our communities are strong and resilient partly mechanised through the amazing charity sector that support those who need it the most. As communities everywhere start to pick up the pieces there are a few things I have been thinking about if you are looking for practical ways to support: 💙 Donating to charities can provide essential resources and items for emergency relief, such as food and healthcare products 🩶 Volunteering with local organisations that are directly involved in supporting riot victims, helping with food distribution and temporary shelters 💚 Advocating for change through campaigns often focus on combating misinformation, promoting unity, and lobbying for policy changes to protect vulnerable populations 💙 Spreading awareness about the importance of supportive policies. Sharing accurate information and countering false narratives can help reduce stigma and promote solidarity 🩶 If you are a legal professional services, consider offering pro bono services to help migrants navigate the asylum process and deal with legal issues arising from the riots. 💚 Other professional services can help as well, counselling services for example may be to assist charities and supporting victims too.

In the lifetime of a young Londoner, we start with food as the foundation.   We are the largest provider of holiday food and activities in the capital, working with community partners in every borough to ensure children facing the biggest barriers not only survive but thrive. With 13 weeks away from school each year, we’re the bridge between term times that keeps young Londoners growing.   In 2023, our Food and Communities programmes engaged 54,124 children and young people, providing 471,056 meals. Our 2023 Impact Report reflects our reach and progress through the stories of those we work with, like 12-year-old Shaun on page six. But despite doubling our reach, we still have more to do – as over a third of London’s children are living in poverty – that’s more than 800,000 children.*   We are excited by the opportunities we now have to work in partnership with other charities, employers, community partners, and London’s policymakers to create a future where every young person in London can be healthy, happy, and hopeful.   Read and download our 2023 Impact Report: https://ow.ly/lLEz50RY8Sv   *Source: The London Child Poverty Report 2023 by The Childhood Trust

This week is homelessness week. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, every night, roughly 1 in 200 Australians find themselves without a safe, secure or affordable place to sleep. Everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living including adequate food, water and housing and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. In 2021, a federal parliamentary inquiry highlighted three key areas for reform: 1. Prevention and early intervention, the “most effective and cost-efficient measures to address homelessness”. 2. “Housing First” approach, moving people experiencing long-term, chronic or recurring homelessness into supported housing as quickly as possible. 3. Reducing the shortfall in social and affordable housing. As an individual we can feel powerless against such a crisis, however there are many organisations fighting to support homeless people everyday. This week I am dedicated to finding ways to volunteer my time or resources to supporting this cause. See volunteer programs in Sydney if you’d like to get involved: https://lnkd.in/gQkbUrJ4 See more information: https://lnkd.in/gcERUwmV https://lnkd.in/gt_u385s