Nicki Morgan

We have launched our Christmas appeal which aims to support those facing homelessness this winter, with a video featuring one of the many people we have helped off the streets. The money raised will go to First Base, our day centre supporting people who are sleeping rough in Brighton and Hove. With homelessness on the rise, this service is in high demand. First Base Day Centre is often the first point of contact for those who find themselves on the streets. People can shower, get a hot meal and wash their clothes, as well as get the support and advice … Read more

We are delighted to share our latest impact report, which focuses on the community-based mental health services we offer in West Sussex, namely Pathfinder, Be OK and the Emotional Wellbeing Service. In these services we work alongside NHS Sussex and other voluntary sector partners to provide free and flexible support to anyone struggling with their mental health. As well as showing some of the impact we have had over the last year, we share stories, feedback and insights from our clients, frontline staff and partners. We explain some of the ways we are working to reduce barriers to accessing mental … Read more

Our East Sussex Floating Support Service, which last year worked with 5,497 people and prevented 1,342 households from becoming homeless, is at risk. East Sussex County Council need to make savings of £55 million in the next financial year and the service is facing a proposed funding cut of 88%, or £4 million per year. This would have a significant impact on the local community. BHT Sussex has run the East Sussex Floating Support Service for the past 3 years, supporting families and single people who are facing a range of housing-related issues. We support people who are at imminent … Read more

A new survey by AdviceUK has revealed a critical situation for free, independent advice centres across Sussex. With 90% of advice organisations across the UK experiencing a rise in demand, and 61% at risk of cutting back services due to funding shortfalls, many people in Sussex could lose access to essential support services offering free, independent advice to people in crisis. AdviceUK’s CEO, Liz Bayram, described the findings as “a stark warning” that the future of advice services – and the communities they serve – is in jeopardy. She highlighted that a lack of sustainable funding is leaving staff and … Read more

BHT Sussex is calling for the new government to take urgent steps to tackle the housing crisis, joining the National Housing Federation’s #PlanForHousing campaign. The campaign calls for a national long-term plan to transform the housing system, and brings together Housing Associations across the country who want to collaborate with the government to deliver it. BHT Sussex provides social housing and is a member of the National Housing Federation. As a social landlord, we provided 481 households and individuals across Sussex with community housing last year, alongside our work providing supported accommodation and specialist services for vulnerable people. The National … Read more

We are delighted to share our new strategic plan, setting out our vision and commitments for the next three years. It outlines how we will continue to empower people to overcome homelessness, poverty, addiction and mental ill health, focusing our work around three central pillars of sustainability, quality and growth. BHT Sussex has a long history of providing homes, essential services and person-centred support, working in partnership with local councils, the NHS and voluntary organisations. We have grown in recent years, for example expanding our homelessness prevention work in East Sussex and our mental health services in Mid Sussex, and … Read more

We are delighted to report that Mark Mansbridge, an inspiring supporter and staff member at BHT Sussex, completed his 2,400km-long sponsored bike ride from Brighton to the south of Spain last month. He is raising money for First Base, our day centre for rough sleepers in Brighton and Hove. First Base Day Centre is often the first point of contact for those who find themselves on the streets. People can shower, get a hot meal and wash their clothes, as well as get the support and advice they need to move away from homelessness for good. Last year 6,856 visits … Read more

The latest publication from BHT Sussex, A Year in Review, is out now! This review looks back at some of the great work that has been happening at BHT Sussex over the past year, in the words of clients, staff and partners. We give an update on some of our newer initiatives, such as the East Sussex Floating Support Service and our projects supporting Ukrainian refugees and expanding mental health support in Mid Sussex. We explain about our campaign for fair treatment for hostel residents, Make Work Pay for Everyone, and how new government funding is helping us house and … Read more

It was a relief last week to have our view at BHT Sussex confirmed that not only did the previous Home Secretary’s views on why people sleep in tents on the street not represent those of the general public, neither did they resonate even within her own Party. This week saw a move away from the internal struggles of the Government to the all-important Autumn Statement with implications as always for individuals, organisations and society at large. The Chancellor has four pillars to his economic approach: Enterprise, Education, Employment and Everywhere. These are key areas for the wide range of … Read more

BHT Sussex has set up a Hardship Fund for residents affected by the recent fire at one of our properties in Brighton, in response to local people wishing to offer their support. The fire broke out at Richard Allen Court on the evening of 3 October and the tenants of the 12 flats affected were swiftly evacuated and moved to temporary accommodation. All are safe, though some had minor injuries which they were treated for in hospital. Our Chief Executive David Chaffey attended the scene on the night of the incident, along with the local authority Emergency Response Team, firefighters … Read more

BHT Sussex has released a new impact report focused on First Base, our Day Centre for people experiencing homelessness in Brighton and Hove. First Base is well known in the city for providing practical help to people who are sleeping rough or insecurely housed, including food, showers, clean and dry clothes, and support to get off the streets. This report also shows how First Base acts as hub for numerous partners to provide a wide range of services, from specialised health clinics to addiction and mental health support. Last year, First Base supported 366 people to move away from rough … Read more

We have recently made some changes to the BHT Sussex website to further improve accessibility. People who have hearing, visual and certain other physical and cognitive impairments can find it all but impossible to use many websites. Even though a person may be set up on their end with all the necessary hardware needed to translate content into a format that they can use, if a given site is not set up to be accessible then they will not be able to use the site. There are many things we do to make our website as accessible as possible. These … Read more