Mayor of Birmingham, Andy Street promised policies to tackle homelessness in the city upon his election in May 2017. True to his word, the Homeless Task Force was formed shortly afterward and has been doing valuable work since to upkeep the community.
The Homeless Taskforce primarily aim to prevent crisis’ in accommodation that often result in homelessness unless immediate intervention is actioned, however they also aid efficiently in relief and recovery services for when prevention is not achieved.
Well supported in this service, the Homeless Taskforce is backed by National Government, West Midlands Police, YMCA, Crisis, KPMG, St. Basils and more. In 2018, the Taskforce secured aid from National Express West Midlands bus/coach services.
National Express agreed to grant free bus travel for rough sleepers to get to locations where they can access the help they need. Working with all seven West Midland councils, the Homeless Taskforce and National Express are donating bus tickets for emergency travel in order for the homeless to reach a hostel, meet benefits appointments or seek medical attention.
“National Express has its headquarters in the heart of Digbeth in Birmingham, so we all understand how important it is to tackle homelessness. One bus ticket can get a rough sleeper to a place where they can get help – that could make all the difference in a crisis situation”. – Tom Stables, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands.
The bus tickets have been distributed in form of scratchcard day passes to agencies, charities and local authorities tackling homelessness where they can be collected by those that need them. Passes are issued by workers at such places when a specific appointment has been arranged on behalf of the rough sleeper, enabling them to reach the destination (be it a hostel, GP or other) safely and on time.
In the last year, the scheme has proven so successful that the pilot year has been extended. 1,400 bus passes were donated through the scheme last year, now a further 1,000 have been donated by National Express West Midlands alongside a promise to continue the scheme permanently. This is great news and enables so many more in need can benefit, getting them to job interviews, hospital appointments, benefits meetings, shelters and hostels.
For more information on the taskforce, visit https://www.wmca.org.uk/who-we-are/meet-the-mayor/homelessness-task-force/
