Phoenix Hub’s big birthday bash to celebrate 1st anniversary

Homeless hub celebrates one year of serving vulnerable Blackburn community

A drop-in for homeless members of the Blackburn community and people in times of crisis has celebrated its first birthday, supporting hundreds of people throughout its first year. 

The homeless health and wellbeing hub, known locally as Phoenix Hub and run by The Salvation Army, opened its doors for the first time in May 2023 and has since seen hundreds of people access its services.

The support hub, located on Clayton Street, acts as a one-stop shop for every service that people experiencing homelessness may need, bringing together an optician, Hepatitis C nurse, housing needs team from the local council and a substance misuse team - all under one easy-to-access roof. The hub also supports local people in times of crisis with people able to access a clothing bank, washing machine and drier, a hot breakfast, showering facilities, emergency food parcels and a warm and safe space.

Sandra Skellern, specialist support worker for The Salvation Army in Blackburn runs Phoenix Hub five days a week. She said: “We’re so proud to have come this far in just a year. We’ve helped hundreds of people, possibly thousands, there have been just too many to count; from people passing through the area to people who come back to us on more than one occasion seeking support in a number of ways.

“The Phoenix Hub came about because we knew that the need was there, we could see it every day that people needed support in accessing the services that can help them in their journey through homelessness and in times of crisis. But seeing just how many people have walked through the doors and said that they need help has been somewhat alarming. 

“Clients can access everything they need at Phoenix Hub from haircuts, clothing, food, benefit help and housing and employment advice, even laundry and showering facilities. We’re proud to be able to support people in their times of need and Phoenix Hub is definitely the place to be to get all levels of support. People come in and use our services and know that they’re one step closer to getting their lives back on track.”

The hub is open five days a week, Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 3:00pm with breakfast served every day until 11:00am.

Run by The Salvation Army and supported by volunteers, the church and charity has worked together with the local council and Lancashire-based health organisations to create the health and wellbeing service for the town’s most vulnerable people, including rough sleepers, sofa surfers and people in temporary accommodation.

The Salvation Army has a Just Giving page, dedicated specifically to its work at Phoenix Hub which can be found at www.justgiving.com/page/phoenix-hub-the-salvation-army and while donations of all sizes are welcome, people are encouraged to donate only what they can afford.