Kirsty Fortnam and Outreach Angels: Helping the homeless

Kirsty Fortnam, Technical Manager and Social Value Ambassador at Glass Express Midlands, discusses her latest volunteering work with Outreach Angels.

“As my usual Tuesdays’ Last night, I was once again with the Outreach Angels.

“We are a completely self-funded organisation who meet once a week to feed, clothe and provide essentials for Birmingham’s homeless.

“The definition of homelessness is the state of not having a safe, stable, and secure home. Many of our service users many have a sofa to sleep to on , or a temporary room on a hostel but they have no food, clothing, or bedding. As well as the street sleepers we also help these people.

“We operate a system, where we have stations for each item in line. We have cold drinks, bottles of water, A food bank station, Clothing (One week it may be shoes, another trousers, Another Coats etc.) Pastries and sandwiches ( Always very kindly donated by Greggs) Hot food and then what is always the firm favourite hot drinks.

“We pride ourselves on what some of our users call ‘Birmingham’s best. A hot chocolate with cream, Marshmallows, and a chocolate biscuit on the side. I Have lost track over the years the number of smiles and hugs I have had just for a warm, sweet, lovingly made hot chocolate.

“With an increase in household bills and an increase in unemployment , the numbers of people seeking ours and other groups help is steadily on the increase. We try to help as many people as we can, Providing over 130 hot meals each week.

“With Easter coming up, we change it slightly. We always go out on Easter Sunday afternoon. We do a Sunday dinner with all the trimmings and provide chocolate treats and hot cross buns.

“As we are completely self-funded, we are often out doing fund raising. This August many of us will be participating in a sponsored Fire walk, Me included. If anyone fancies either joining us in doing it or maybe sponsoring us, it would be greatly appreciated.

“There are many ways you can get involved if walking over hot coals isn’t for you, there are many ways you can help. Just get in touch.”

To find out more about Outreach Angels, visit: Outreach Angels – Facebook

Glass Express