The National Lottery Community Fund Award The Beaming Light Foundation £19000

The Beaming Light Foundation Awarded £19,000 National Lottery Grant to Support “Beat The Streets” Homeless Outreach Project

The Beaming Light Foundation is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £19,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support its Beat The Streets project a vital community initiative dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness across Sunderland and the wider region.

The funding will be used to purchase a welfare van and cover its ongoing upkeep. This vehicle will become a lifeline for vulnerable individuals living on the streets, enabling the charity to deliver essential support directly to those who need it most. The welfare van will be used to distribute hot drinks, warm clothing, harm-reduction supplies, and emergency essentials, while also providing a safe point of contact for people in crisis.

The van will also carry first aid supplies and a defibrillator that is also being donated to the charity which will enable them to respond to emergencies on the ground.

“A lifeline for those who need hope the most”

Heather, Founder of The Beaming Light Foundation, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to everyone who plays the National Lottery. This funding will transform the way we support people experiencing homelessness. Having a dedicated welfare van means we can reach individuals more effectively, offer compassionate support where it’s needed, and build trusting relationships that can change lives.”

Building stronger, safer communities

The Beat The Streets project is built on the belief that no one should face homelessness alone. By providing direct outreach, emergency support, and signposting to essential services, the project aims to:

• Improve wellbeing and safety for people experiencing homelessness

• Reduce isolation and reconnect individuals with support networks

• Strengthen community cohesion by addressing local need

• Promote dignity, compassion, and understanding across Sunderland

• Provide early intervention to prevent crises from escalating

The welfare van will play a central role in achieving these aims by enabling volunteers and support workers to meet people where they are — on their terms, and without judgement.

A growing charity making real impact

The Beaming Light Foundation continues to expand its services and partnerships, working tirelessly to support vulnerable individuals, fight poverty, and address the growing challenges of street homelessness. You can learn more about the charity’s work and ongoing projects at:www.beaminglight.org.uk

A message of thanks

The charity extends its heartfelt thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund for recognising the importance of the Beat The Streets project, and to National Lottery players for making this funding possible.