About this event
Covid-19 led all governments across the UK to introduce a multitude of measures to protect rough sleepers and find them temporary accommodation where they could self-isolate. By working together, working differently, and working to a tight deadline, authorities and charities provided shelter and safety for thousands.
Now that we know it’s possible to achieve such significant progress in just a few weeks, there are new challenges to face. One of them is to look back at what was different about the way people were supported during the pandemic and find ways to build on and sustain these approaches. Continuing the collaborative approach that’s been adopted during the crisis is vital and include people with lived experience in this is critical for future successes.
Join Laura Furness, Head of Funding for The National Lottery Community Fund as she leads a panel discussion on how the voluntary and charity sector supported people who were homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic and what learning has come out of this to make these people’s lives better. You will have the opportunity to put questions to the panel and hear their thoughts on what we need to do differently in the future.
Hosted by
Nicola started working with Empowerment in July 2014 as an Apprentice Navigator for the Fulfilling Lives Programme after a period of volunteering within Blackpool substance misuse services. She later worked as volunteer coordinator and now as the LET manager
Chris has over 25 years experience of youth work, staring his career at Star Neighbourhood centre in the New Lodge, North Belfast. In his current role he supports young people to effect positive change and reports to a management committee of so many inspiring young people.
Laura spent 10 years working within drugs and alcohol services before working as a policy advisor at the Cabinet Offices’ Office for Civil Society. She moved over on secondment to the Big Lottery Fund (as it was then) to lead the relationships with Local Enterprise Partnerships within the European Funding Team. Laura is now part of the England Leadership Team as Head of Funding for the Fulfilling Lives – supporting people facing multiple disadvantage programme and is the Funds Designated Safeguarding Lead as well as overseeing the Safeguarding Training Fund Laura is passionate about the role of people with lived experience in decision making, delivery and governance and believes in the power of people in making positive changes to themselves and the world.
Ollie is director of the Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) coalition, formed of Homeless Link, Clinks, Mind and associate member Collective Voice. MEAM works with over 40 local areas across the country to improve services, systems and policy for people facing multiple disadvantage.
Carly is CEO of SIFA Fireside, Birmingham’s main day service for homeless and vulnerable adults. She has worked in the voluntary sector for 15 years across sectors from health to social welfare. Previously, Carly was the National Director for an international charity in Eastern Europe. Carly has a degree in International Relations and Peace Studies.
The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest community funder in the UK – and is proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Since June 2004, we have made over 200,000 grants and awarded over £9 billion.
