Homeless Survival Guide updated to help those affected across South Yorkshire

25th August 2023

People experiencing homelessness across South Yorkshire can access the latest public and charitable services, thanks to an updated online Survival Guide, produced by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).

Originally launched in 2019, the South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide was a joint effort between the then High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Barry Eldred DL and SYCF. Through an initial print run, followed by an online version, the guide provides valuable information to people who are homeless, about services available in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield.

It includes contact details for nearly five hundred services ranging from support with accommodation, homelessness advice and help around health and wellbeing. In the wake of Prince William's visit to Sheffield in June, during which he highlighted the pressing issue of homelessness, the significance of the updated online Homeless Survival Guide becomes even more pronounced. The revised version includes new services, including Welcome Spaces and community food banks, that have developed since the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Commenting on the importance of the updated guide, SYCF Chief Executive Ruth Willis said: "The update of the South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide reaffirms our commitment to providing timely and relevant information to those in need. It will help navigate the wide-ranging landscape of public and charitable services available to people experiencing homelessness.”

The visionary behind the South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide, Barry Eldred DL, praised the refinements made to the online site, adding: “I am grateful to the team at SYCF for their continuing support and commitment to this project, at a timely moment when homelessness – helped by Prince William’s new Homewards initiative – is in the headlines. The online guide takes into account new services across South Yorkshire which can only help people who are homeless.”

SYCF is encouraging people who wish to support this project by donating to a Just Giving page, generating funds for a new print run of the Homeless Survival Guide, at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sysurvivalguide  

“We would encourage businesses interested in print sponsoring a prospective distribution of the Homeless Survival Guide, to get in touch which go towards providing physical copies to frontline services across South Yorkshire,” said Ruth.

Anyone wanting to discuss making a financial contribution to contact Ruth at rwillis@sycf.org.uk or 0114 242 9009.

The South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide can be accessed at: https://www.sysurvivalguide.co.uk/