A Liverpool charity held the ‘Time to Shine’ event this week to recognise World Homeless Day.
The Basement Advisory Centre on Parr Street put on food, live entertainment and offered support to those in need.
The organisation works closely with Liverpool’s homeless community offering them a place to eat, wash and relax.
Director of The Basement, Michelle Smith, told JMU Journalism: “We mainly get men aged between 25 and 50 but we have seen an increasing number of young people, couples and families coming in which scares me.”
The basement worked with the group Crass Routes which holds events across the city for those who are homeless and suffering with addiction. The workshops offer voice work, physical and emotional exercise in a safe environment.
Co-director of Crass Routes, Janette Porter told JMU Journalism: “This is our third event; we focus on recovery and well-being through arts, performance and music events. The last one was held in summer at St Luke’s bombed-out church because that’s where a lot of the homeless hang out and drink.”
Many homeless people in the city are battling with addiction and substance misuse and seek support from events like this.
Independent organisations attended Time to Shine to offer guidance. Mildmay Matters, a shelter in Liverpool, offers 53 men in the area a place to stay. Volunteers make hanging baskets and flower arrangements which are sold to raise money for the cause.
Narcotics Anonymous, a support group run for addicts by recovering addicts helps to support 53,000 people worldwide.
When talking about how the event came about, Ellen Roach, the organiser of Time to Shine told JMU Journalism: “I saw a homeless man on Bold street singing and he was so talented and I just thought you need your time to shine.”
Additional reporting by Jess Etherington