By Abby Christie, Senior Fundraising Manager, Changing Lives.
Here, Abby tells us about Changing Lives. So, whether you donate to them, fundraise for them, volunteer with them or support them in another way, you’re a life-changer, and they couldn’t do it without you.
Why was the charity formed?
Changing Lives has been helping people facing some of the most challenging circumstances for 50 years. We began as a small charity in the North East called Tyneside Cyrenians, later The Cyrenians, helping people who were experiencing homelessness through our hostels and day centres.
With the appointment of Stephen Bell in 2002, we began to look at homelessness as a part of a system, one which can lead to people feeling trapped and unable to access the support they need. We began to expand our services in both provision and geography.
We now operate nationally, helping thousands of people each year to change their lives for the better. In 2013 we re-branded as Changing Lives to mark our growth and our ongoing commitment to providing the support people need to make positive change – for good.
Which area do you cover?
We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We also believe that, given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.
Our core areas of work can be categorised under Housing and Homelessness services, Women and Children’s services, Recovery and Wellbeing services and Employment services.
What type of fundraising events do you have?
You can take part in lots of events to fundraise for Changing Lives such as… Great North Run – Dragon Boat Race Newcastle – Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Comedy Night at The Stand Newcastle – Golf Days Newcastle – London Marathon London Bungee Jump – Online Auction – Annual Christmas Campaign Organise your Own such as quiz nights, physical challenges, sleep outs and more!
Find out more about Fundraising events at www.changing-lives.org.uk/fundraisingfor-changing-lives/join-a-fundraising-event or contact fundraising@changing-lives. org.uk for advice, your free fundraising pack and fundraising materials.
Who are your trustees and patrons?
Glynis Frew is Chair of the Trustee Board at Changing Lives. Glynis joins Changing Lives with over 40 years’ experience in business, 20 of which has been within the property market.
Our other trustees are Dean Fielding, Mike Barton, Steve Guyon OBE, Peter Brown, Lesley Telford, Lisa Boyack and Anthony May.
You can find out more about our Trustees here: www.changing-lives.org.uk/about/people
What have been your proudest moments so far?
Our proudest moment overall is all of the support we have been able to offer people facing challenging circumstances, collectively having been able to reach over 14,000 people each year.
Another of our proudest moments was the refurbishment of then Bentinck Terrace, which has since been renamed Alex’s Place in tribute to our late colleague Alex Shirley. The development created self-contained flats as our flagship accommodation project which gives each resident living within our supported accommodation their own front door.
We were extremely proud to receive the Princess Royal Training Award recently in recognition of our Leading With Purpose training programme, for our dedication to supporting the development of our staff.
What are you currently working on?
In 2024 we have mobilised new homelessness services in Doncaster, including outreach and 24-hour accommodation services. This is a unique 10 year contract, with Doncaster Council pledging their commitment to a longer-term solution, allowing us to take our work to the next level supporting those sleeping rough in Doncaster.
We’ve recently opened Teesdale House, a new supported accommodation in Bishop Auckland specifically for women to be able to address the specific experiences of women experiencing homelessness to help them to heal.
We’ve also received funding for an extra three years to continue the work of the Adult Sexual Exploitation Partnership.
What does the future hold?
The future for us is continuing to adapt to the needs of our communities to ensure we support people facing any challenging times can benefit from the support we provide.
Last year we updated our ‘mission statement’ to say that as a fastpaced organisation responding to immediate needs, we are not bound by a mission statement or vision. In doing so we are able to continually learn, adapt and evolve in ways that best serve our life changing work, addressing the challenges and needs within communities across the UK.
How do you get involved?
People can get involved and support us in a variety of ways such as:
Fundraising: Find out more at www.changing-lives.org.uk/fundraising-for-changing-lives
Donating: Find out more at www.changing-lives.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donate
Volunteering: Find out more at www.changing-lives.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteer
www.changing-lives.org.uk
