Trust, charity and a kick up the backside

The Salvation Army relaunched its Homeless Action Project last week as the Way Ahead, with a new emphasis on challenging those it helps to regain their independence. At an open day, people users of the project and New Hope Counselling told representatives from churches, police and probation services how help had changed their lives.

Project leader Jonathan Chilvers said the relaunch focused on how the scheme challenges users to take control of their lives by helping them find voluntary and work experience placements to build a CV.

He said: “We wanted to capture that idea of actually getting alongside people and businesses to help people change their lives and contribute to society.

“The link between the two is trust and relationships. If people trust us it’s easier for them to accept a kick up the backside.”