Making a
difference
a different way
What happens when we do things
a different way
We’re fighting for a world where everyone has a roof over their head, a chance to thrive free from poverty, abuse, injustice, and mental health struggles, and access to the support they need. At Birchwood that’s not a dream, we’re proactively working on it every day. It’s charity, a different way.
A different way that opens doors to possibilities.
A different way where we see real, visible on a small and grand scale.
Our Impact
17
young people successfully moved on from The Foyer in the last year
72%
of our staff have lived experience
65
people a month on average receive support, accomodation, and advice from our Homelessness & Housing Service
2.7m
project keeping
16-25 year olds safe and off the streets
1500
people saved from needing help from A&E, their GP or other statutory services, relieving pressure on the NHS and medical services
3261
people report a positive impact after support from Birchwood
11 out of 12
months the Foyer was of full capacity in the last year
60 tonnes
of food waste repurposed in Birchwood café and shop in a year (2019)
£1.08m
spent on supporting our West Lancashire community in 2023
275
people saved from hospital admission
82
homeless people housed in our HMO’s in the last year
90%
of people in our ‘Move On’ service report increased confidence in living independently
96%
of our clients report improvement in their mental health & wellbeing after attending our counselling and intervention services
10589
people attended our social inclusion events in 2023/24
3,200 hours
provided by our volunteers at Birchwood Café
251
people saved from possible suicide
Our Stories
Turning Sue's life around
“My name is Sue and this is my story:
I had been feeling down and lonely. I was living on my own and was getting behind with my bills. When I got issued an eviction notice I really panicked and didn’t know what to do. I was so behind on my rent that I was going to end up homeless. Someone from the council signposted me to get in touch with Birchwood and that’s when I felt things turn around. The team at Birchwood were friendly and helped me to look at my finances.
They helped me to put a budget together so I could manage my money better. With Birchwood’s support I have now:
- Got additional benefits that have stabilised my finances.
- Attended court and had the eviction overturned.
- Become more stable and secure.
- Grown in confidence and am more in control of my home, finances and life.
I am now much happier and am considering volunteering in my local community. So don’t let things get out of control instead get in touch with Birchwood and find out how they can help.”
Growing Callum's confidence
“I was a resident at Birchwood for a period of 18 months having become at risk of homelessness. While living there, I completed my level 3 in Catering and Hospitality at College. As I settled in, I started to get more involved in the activities going on and started facilitating the resident’s meetings in partnership with staff. As I grew in confidence and developed my skills I was supported to secure and manage my own tenancy – I finally got my own place!
I got stuck into volunteering at Birchwood’s Café working in the kitchen preparing meals for the local community. I wasn’t expecting it but as a result of my voluntary work I was awarded a SELNET Enterprise in Society Award for volunteer of the year and received a Young Citizen of the year award from the High Sheriff of Lancashire!
In December 2018 just when I thought things couldn’t go any better, I got the job as the Apprentice for the Cafe and prepare delicious meals for people in the community.
It was a great way to round off a great year”