Homelessness charity launches new academy to transform lives

Hampshire's top homelessness charity, the Society of St James, has launched its new empowerment program, the SSJ Academy.

The initiative is focused on transformation and empowerment for individuals facing homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health issues, and aims to meet participants' physical, mental and social needs through structured activities and learning possibilities.

It boasts three distinct sections: Academy Re-Fit, Re-Set, and Re-Connect.

The initiative looks to help individuals facing homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health issues (Image: Supplied)

Participants in Re-Fit will battle social isolation through a variety of activities, fostering trust and self-esteem via sports, hobbies, and voluntary work.

Re-Set will offer accredited educational courses to develop vital life skills and promote self-confidence. Re-Connect aims to help participants find and secure volunteer placements to boost their job prospects.

the charity provides a spectrum of services for nearly 3,500 people (Image: Supplied)

The SSJ Academy will offer its varied range of activities, courses, and opportunities throughout Hampshire for those adults grappling with homelessness, substance misuse, or mental health challenges.

Today, the charity provides a spectrum of services for nearly 3,500 people, striving to improve the lives of vulnerable adults and facilitate their re-integration into communities.

SSJ Academy’s activities, courses, and opportunities are offered across Hampshire (Image: Supplied)

A variety of provision methods, including housing, support, care, substance misuse treatment, and activity schemes, help to inform its 'comprehensive and sympathetic approach'.

Lucy Potts, Academy Lead, said: "I feel so privileged to be a part of such an incredible initiative. I support someone to take steps to their dream, not many people can say that is what they do for a job."

SSJ was established in Southampton in 1972 (Image: Supplied)

Michelle Jeffery, business development and fundraising manager for the charity, said: "Everyone from the chief executive, through to our volunteers and service users, has worked very hard to realise this vision of the SSJ Academy and its launch has been extremely successful.

"However, the hard work now begins. We have secured a significant amount of funding thus far and are extremely grateful to all those that have supported us to this point.

"However, we still need to find another £55,000 a year to make this an ongoing success.

"Our next goal is to organise some fundraising events and gain corporate sponsorship over the coming months.

"Please get in touch if you would like to support this vital project."