ShowerBox

ShowerBox is running every Tuesday at Birmingham Cathedral, with free and secure shower facilities for people experiencing homelessness in the city. You'll find the mobile unit in Cathedral Square, just outside the cathedral, open from 9 am to 2 pm.

It's a simple, practical service, but it's part of something that's been growing for a few years. ShowerBox started in London in 2018, founded by Sarah Lamptey MBE, who'd spent time volunteering with various homeless organisations. It began as a crowdfunding project in St Giles in the Fields, and since then it's expanded to four shower trailers, including a permanent container that holds two showers. Since those early days, the charity has provided around 15,000 showers, 10,000 pairs of underwear and 4,000 haircuts. Lamptey was awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List for her services to homeless people.

In Birmingham, the unit doesn't work alone. It runs alongside Let's Feed Brum, another charity that sets up outside the cathedral every Tuesday. They provide food, hot drinks, signposting and a friendly face for people who need them. Between the two, it's a morning of basic, essential support in one spot.

So, if you know someone who could use it, or just want to keep it in mind, the mobile shower unit is in Cathedral Square every Tuesday from 9 am to 2 pm, and the facilities are free.