The Brick held a Gala, this month, where businesses and community groups came together at the DW Stadium in Wigan, to raise funds to help the charity to continue to provide sustainable solutions to the cost-of-living crisis affecting people in Wigan and Leigh.
The Brick is facing increased demand on its services, and more safe and secure options for vulnerable people facing poverty and homelessness is needed. People in poverty are also less likely to have strong social support networks around them and this puts them at higher risk of homelessness and addiction problems.
These are big issues that need big solutions, and that takes a Wigan wide effort and a partnership approach and that was a large part of the ask to businesses at the Brick’s Gala.
Keely Dalfen, Finance and Commercial Director at The Brick, explains why the support from businesses is so important: “We were delighted to hold The Brick Gala, which this year was a call for action to local businesses to come together to help us to raise as much money as possible. This year the money raised will be used to provide additional accommodation provision and practical support for people facing the prospect of homelessness or hardship. We are experiencing an unprecedented level of demand for our services, due to the cost-of-living crisis, and we are seeing increased numbers of people who are at serious risk of becoming homeless.”
The evening was a night to remember with inspirational stories from people The Brick works with, and entertainment from vocalist, Gracie O’Brien from ITV’s ‘The Voice’, and Wigan poet Louise Fazakerley, who brought the room to a standstill with her emotive poem about the work The Brick does in the community.
Keely Dalfen concludes: “We want to thank all the businesses for joining us at The Brick Gala. Together we are looking forward to not only raising vital funds but to also create a movement, a catalyst for change, as poverty, homelessness, and inequality are not inevitable. By listening, advocating, and providing sustainable solutions that tackle not only the symptoms of poverty but the systems, we can ensure everyone facing homelessness and poverty, are given every possible chance to live their best and happiest lives.”
If you can support The Brick please email wendyd@thebrick.org.uk to get involved.