The Benjamin Foundation

For over 25 years, children, young people and families across Norfolk and Suffolk have been supported by The Benjamin Foundation to overcome big challenges in their lives.

Each night, we accommodate up to 200 vulnerable young people, equating to over 50,000 safe nights’ sleep a year. They can finally feel safe from youth homelessness.

Each week, 230 young people access our emotional wellbeing support improving their mental health, increasing their self-esteem to finally feel understood.

Each year, over 400 young people attend our youth work in the community to gain new life skills, expand their horizons and finally feel confident. We are proud to have supported over 3,100 children, young people and families in 2021-22.

For more information visit: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/

Could You Open Your Heart And Home?

We are asking local people to join our ‘Heart and Home’ service to offer young people in Norfolk a home and support by becoming a Host with our charity.

Claire Overton from The Benjamin Foundation explains: “Hosts offer a bedroom, support and understanding to young people, who are often aged between 16 and 18 but may be older, to provide them with stability and a safe place to live. Many young people may benefit far more from a home-like environment and the support of a family or individual than from a more formal environment, such as a hostel. With an increase in need for safe homes for young people who may not have had the best start in life, we are reaching out for people to join our Heart and Home service as a Host for a young person in need.”

Claire continues: “We work closely with hosts, agencies and local authorities to provide the young people with the support they need to become independent. This includes supporting them to learn life skills, such as cooking, shopping and budgeting, as well as supporting their education, training and career before they move on to independent living.”

Training, support payments and ongoing guidance is available for those who join our Host network.

Janet (we have changed her name) says: “Hosting a young person has enriched my life with love, fun, laughter, knowledge of different food, music, dances, games, culture etc and I would not swap this for the world!”

Could you become a Heart and Home host?

Contact The Benjamin Foundation for further information on 01603 886930 or email heartandhome@benjaminfoundation.co.uk

It’s Game On To #Endyouthhomelessness

We are proud to collaborate with End Youth Homelessness and other EYH member charities across the UK to bring you Gaming for Good 2023!

Gaming for Good promotes gaming as a platform to speak up about mental health, while fundraising for youth homelessness. Last year’s campaign raised a fantastic £40K for vulnerable young people. We are now looking for individuals, groups, gaming communities and venues to get involved with Gaming for Good 2023 to help #endyouthhomelessness and promote positive emotional wellbeing for young people.

Whether you wish to hold a gaming tournament, live stream your gaming or host a classic games night or quiz there are lots of ways you can get involved! Visit our website to learn more: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/event/gaming-for-good-2023

Walsingham Abbey Snowdrop Walks Charity Day

A date for your diary! We are so excited to be chosen by Walsingham Abbey & The Shirehall Museum for their Snowdrop Walks Charity Day on Saturday 11th February.

It's a great place to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, and all are welcome to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Entry prices apply and all admissions from the day will be donated to our charity. Thank you Walsingham Abbey!

We will be there too, so come along, enjoy a lovely day out and come and say hi! You can even take part in our Photography Competition - visit our social media for more details!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1375353089937104/?ref=newsfeed

Support Us In 2023

If you would like to support our charity this year by volunteering, donating or fundraising?

Please get in touch with our Fundraising Team on: events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk to hear all the ways you can be involved!