by Joanne Armstrong | 5 Oct 2023 | Basis, Church, Events, Trustees
The Right Reverend Mark Bryant, former Bishop of Jarrow: I met Danny just before nine o’clock one spring morning as we were both waiting for the Basis Drop-in to open. “I’m buzzing” he greeted me “I’m getting my key at eleven o’clock and I am buzzing”. This was the...
by Joanne Armstrong | 14 Nov 2022 | Basis, Crisis services, Giving a Home
Joe’s is a story of life and death. Joe was homeless in Sunderland, sleeping in a tent. His journey nearly ended on the Wear bridge. It was a surprise to the team when Joe came into the homelessness drop in one day, absolutely beside himself. Tear-streaked, pacing...
by Joanne Armstrong | 10 Nov 2022 | Basis, Crisis services, Giving a Home
Lizzie was alone, homeless and afraid. Sleeping on cold concrete floors in corners, in abandoned buildings and dark alleys. Her coat pulled up as a makeshift blanket, never quite long enough to cover her whole body no matter how much she curled up. Unwashed clothes...
by Joanne Armstrong | 7 Nov 2022 | Empower, Giving a Home
Over a third of domestic abuse starts or gets worse when a woman is pregnant. Pregnancy is a time many of us look forward to and treasure – despite the challenges of morning sickness, tiredness and swollen ankles. So, it’s heartbreaking to think of the...
by Joanne Armstrong | 1 Nov 2022 | Basis, Crisis services, Giving a Home
I’m a DJ you know!” declared Alex* the first time he came to the homeless drop-in. Keen to make an impression, Alex masked his anxiety with bravado. The first few times he visited he was under the influence of alcohol. It took time for the project staff to see the...
