“Just to hear someone coming out of one of the showers and saying I feel human again.
“It’s these simple moments of shared humanity; these little moments in people’s lives,that make all the difference.’
Sarah Lamptey MBE founder of ShowerBox
Birmingham Cathedral is helping to bring dignity to those facing homelessness by hosting a mobile shower unit in its grounds.
It is the first location outside of London for the charity, ShowerBox which was born in 2018 in London out of the human need to feel good and lead a safe life and it has been empowering people ever since by bringing free and secure shower space to those experiencing homelessness.
ShowerBox is working alongside the Let’s Feed Brum charity which sets up outside Birmingham Cathedral every Tuesday offering those in need food, hot drinks, signposting for services, and a friendly face.
The Revd Andy Delmege, Canon Missioner at Birmingham Cathedral, said:
“The facilities provided by Showerbox are a valuable extension to our ongoing work with Let’s Feed Brum, who feed over 150 people in Cathedral Square each week.
“Our building and grounds are a place of refuge for many, and we are committed to using this space to serve the local community.
“Those in need can now access food, supplies and a hot shower, alongside the ongoing in-person support from our partners – which is a key part of our commitment as a welcoming cathedral community in the city centre.”
Sarah Lamptey is the founder and head fundraiser for ShowerBox and a former volunteer for various homeless organisations.
Sarah used crowdfunding and the generosity of friends and family for the first ShowerBox project in St Giles in the Fields in London and ShowerBox now has four shower trailers, including a permanent shower container that holds two showers.
Since 2018 ShowerBox has provided around 15,000 showers, 10,000 pairs of underwear and 4,000 haircuts (providing guests with hair clippers).
She was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her services to homeless people, and she said:
“This is just the beginning!
“Our Birmingham team has ambitious plans to reach even more people, and we hope to inspire others across the country to work with us to help bring dignity to those in need.
“ShowerBox is dedicated to raising mental health and confidence by allowing people to maintain good personal hygiene, increase their confidence and motivation and stop the spread of disease.
“These collaborations ensure, not only showers, but access to vital support service in the heart of our city centres.
“And just to hear someone coming out of one of the showers and saying I feel human again.
“It’s these simple moments of shared humanity; these little moments in people’s lives that make all the difference.’
Birmingham’s ShowerBox can be found outside the cathedral every Tuesday, from 9 am to 2 pm.
