Streetlife is a registered charity based in Blackpool, United Kingdom. The charity was founded in 1984 and their shelter opened in 1992.[1] Their aim is to provide shelter and support to young homeless people across North West England aged between 16-25.[2] Around 400 young people access Streetlife's services each year.[3]
Streetlife's current CEO is Jane Hugo.[4] There are also 6 full-time and 5 part-time staff members, in addition to 35 volunteers working for the charity.[5] Volunteers come from countries such as Ghana, New Zealand, Spain and Germany to work for the charity. Streetlife receives support from The Amy Winehouse Foundation[6] and Children In Need. In 2010, the charity was presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.[7]
Due to austerity measures, in 2014 Streetlife received news that they would lose £100,000 in funding[8] from Blackpool Council.
The charity's mission is to support young homeless people in Blackpool.[9] It operates a night shelter,[10] which is open each night and located next to St Johns Church, Blackpool.[11] During the day, Streetlife operates a 'Base'[12] located on Buchanan Street. The Base offers support, advice, personal consultations on housing, finance, and help with finding gainful employment.[13]
In 2013, Streetlife created the '£5 What can it buy?' campaign. The ongoing fundraiser highlights what £5 can buy for young homeless people.[14] The campaign encourages individuals and businesses to set up a direct debit of £5 a month to Streetlife to help support the overall operations of the charity.[15]
In 2014, Streetlife partnered with international media licensing company Amurco to launch 'StreetSound'. The project consisted of 8 weekly songwriting workshops to create a song with the young homeless people from Streetlife.[16] The song was released as part of a campaign to boost external funding for the charity[17] and receives donations though the JustGiving page.[18]