Tell us a bit about BHT
We’re a local charity and housing association whose aim is to combat homelessness, create opportunities and promote change. This year the organisation turned 50, and while the fact that our services are needed now more than ever is no cause for celebration, we are proud that over the last five decades we have helped thousands of people with complex needs to overcome barriers to work and learning, and address issues such as addiction, poverty and mental health. In the last year alone, we prevented 949 people from becoming homeless, and around a quarter of our staff members are former clients of one of our services.
What are the origins of BHT?
BHT began from humble beginnings as a hostel in central Brighton, and we have now grown to become one of the largest charities working with homeless people in East Sussex, with services across Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne and Hastings.
Could you tell us more about one of your projects?
Our First Base day centre on Montpelier Place provides food, hot showers, clean and dry clothes, lockers, health checks and much more to rough sleepers in the city. The staff at First Base also work with clients to assess their needs and build support plans to help people move away from homelessness and into a place they can call home. Our aim is to help people through tough times, get them back on their feet and provide positive long-lasting changes to their lives. As a charity, we rely on the support of the local community to keep First Base running and there are many businesses in the city who generously donate to ensure this vital service keeps running.
Are you doing anything to mark your 50th year?
We were thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with Brighton & Hove buses for our 50th year. They are generously donating a bus ‘wrap’ to us, so we can spread awareness of our work and share some of our stories. The theme of the bus is ‘journey’, which includes the journeys passengers make each day and the life journeys many of our clients have experienced. BHT and Brighton & Hove Buses share values that focus on the wellbeing of the people who live and work in our community. We asked our service users to contribute to the project by creating a piece of artwork that depicted their journey with BHT, and this artwork, along with some of their quotes will feature on the bus. We can’t wait for it to be revealed this winter!
How can we find out more?
Visit our website and get in touch if you have any questions. Look out for the bus in the new year and make sure to tweet us @BHT_Sussex if you spot it!
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If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk