We’re very proud to be just one among many fantastic Leeds-based services that go above and beyond to support those people who need help the most. Those facing homelessness have very often been dealing with a number of different issues, not to mention significant trauma. As we never tire of saying, homelessness is a very complex issue (you can read more about that here) that comes in many different forms - there is no one size fits all solution.
From mental health support to drop-in services for refugees, if you’re worried about homelessness, or know someone who is, below you’ll find more information about some of the charities and organisations we sometimes work with below.
Leeds Mind
It was fantastic to have the opportunity to team up with Leeds Mind back in December 2023, in order to raise awareness about the relationship between mental health and homelessness.
As an organisation, Leeds Mind help and support to anyone who needs it in and around Leeds, helping them to discover their own resources to ‘recover’ from periods of poor mental health, and to live life independently with their mental health condition. As well as counselling, Leeds Mind also offer peer support, social prescribing, employment support, suicide bereavement support, creative wellbeing activities, mental health training and more. You can learn more about their vital work here.
With 80% of the homeless population disclosing they deal with mental health challenges, services like Mind are invaluable, and it’s good to know that we have such a resource available.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice exists to make sure that everyone can navigate sometimes incredibly complicated processes with the help of expert advice and support. In addition, they also advocate for those who might find it hard to speak up for themselves.
Their homelessness services include finding your nearest shelter for the night, applying for help from your local authority and challenging homeless application decisions.
You’ll also find plenty of useful help about renting privately, right to housing and social housing.
PAFRAS
PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) is a local Leeds charity that supports those who have come to the country as refugees. Helping with issues such as the right to work and housing, they offer local drop-in services with food, resources and access to interpreters.
If you’d like to support PAFRAS, they’re open to financial donations as well as donations of food, warm clothing or toiletries. There are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer with the service as an interpreter or in other capacities.
You can find more details here.
Leeds Domestic Violence Service
The fear of becoming homeless can be one of the big reasons someone might not leave a dangerous personal relationship you can read more about that here. Leeds Domestic Violence Service are here to offer support and advice to anyone who finds themself in such a situation.
Whether you can make a call or would prefer to speak to someone online, you can speak to an advisor about your situation and make a plan.
Simon on the Streets
And finally, there’s us. Simon on the Streets. We exist to provide hope to those without a voice, and we work very hard towards our goal of breaking the vicious cycle of homelessness for good. Our outreach team work tirelessly in the community to provide practical and emotional support to those experiencing homelessness, as well as helping them to to access the vital services they need.
If you’d like to learn more about what we do, how you can volunteer with us, or the ways in which you can support our fundraising, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re worried about homelessness, or the issues surrounding homelessness, you’re not alone. There are people out there who can help and support you through a difficult time.