ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Through its Branches Hostel, Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter (FCENS) has provided accommodation for people who have been homeless or rough sleeping for many years. The organisation has evolved in the 25 years since it was founded, originally offering temporary night shelter places; it now provides holistic, long-term accommodation and support for 30 residents, 30 former residents, and more than 100 other local homeless people. This kind of support is rare, and much needed. 

Residents at Branches stay for 12 to 18 months, and are able to address their mental, physical and emotional health and wellbeing while building the skills, confidence and resilience they need to be able to move into their own accommodation and live independently. Support from Branches staff is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

“Branches has saved my life. I don’t think I would’ve lasted another year on the street!” Danny, Branches’ Resident. 

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STEPPING STONES PROJECT

The project we funded marks another important development in FCENS’s evolution – a move-on accommodation programme, called ‘Stepping Stones’, that will allow Branches residents to live independently through 6 to 12 months of advice, advocacy and mental health support. The project grew out of the organisation’s awareness that many Branches residents were ready for move-on accommodation, but there were no suitable options. Stepping Stones is designed to provide a sustainable solution to this problem.

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