National Impact Award Success

Action Homeless recognised in national impact awards for the significant positive impact it has had on the local community.

The winners of the Charity Bank Impact Awards 2018 were announced last night (26 June) at a ceremony in London. A selection of exceptional charities and social organisations from across the UK were nominated, from which Action Homeless was chosen as the winner of for the 2018 Community Impact Award.

Action Homeless was started in 1973 by several members of the Leicester community, who acted in the face of the noticeably rising numbers of homeless people by opening a small night shelter. Since then, the charity has gradually grown its activities and now operates all over the city, committed to improving the lives of those affected by homelessness.

As well as crisis accommodation and other wide-reaching services such as food banks, telephone support services and social enterprise employment opportunities, the charity also entered a new significant phase over the past 5 years. Moving one step closer to its goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness, it now also provides long-term housing in properties it purchased and redeveloped with help from a Charity Bank loan.

Accepting the award on behalf of the charity, CEO Mark Grant said: “We’re so proud to receive this award recognising the positive impact we have on the Leicester community. Action Homeless is the main charity working in the area supporting homeless people and our team of staff and volunteers works tirelessly to improve the situation around homelessness. This award is a very welcome tribute to their energy, dedication and care, and will also act as inspiration to continue to be there for those that need us most.

“Our most recent project, redeveloping empty properties to provide permanent housing, is one way we are tackling the long-term cycle of homelessness and helping people to rebuild their lives. It is therefore especially significant to receive this award from Charity Bank, which has been one of our key partners and financial supporters in this endeavour, helping us to make a real difference.”

Patrick Crawford, Chief Executive of Charity Bank, said: “Our awards are an opportunity to recognise the amazing charities and social enterprises we have the honour to work with every day as they strive to create a better society for all. Action Homeless and all those shortlisted for this year’s award deserve recognition for their passion and commitment to enriching lives through the work they do.”

“Over the past 45 years Action Homeless has gradually grown its activities and now operates throughout the city of Leicester, improving the lives of those affected by homelessness in both the long and short term. Last year alone, the charity provided emergency housing and specialist support to over 400 people at their time of need.”

As part of the award Charity Bank produced a video showcasing the impact of Action Homeless by telling the story of a current client, Michael.