Healthwatch Visit The Brick!
Quick Trip To The Brick...
25/11/2024 - Charlie and George go on a quick visit to the homeless charity, The Brick! Want to find out more about them and their function? Read below...
So, George and Charlie set off around 1pm to The Brick Works site (Visitable at 4 Hodson St, Wigan, FYI). After a faff trying to park, they get out of the car and walk on in. The site itself is brilliant - couches, a TV, a new X-Box, all sorts of space to relax and chill out. Brilliant for what it is, a space for those without homes to chill out and get help they need from various visiting services and The Brick themselves trying to house the residents in their accommodation when they can - this accommodation being The Queen's Hall homeless shelter near Wigan Bus Station, around the back of The Queens Hall Methodist Mission (The Brick being a charity and a big part of the mission!)
Inside, we're met by a few members of staff and we sit down with them to talk about the services The Brick provide. A key point mentioned was the van they have driving around Wigan in early hours to search for rough sleepers, to then provide them with essentials like sleeping bags, underwear and meals in a bottle. After this, they see if you want to come back with them to their site, then they can try and help you further with their visiting services and other help. Other provided services that was mentioned was the therapy dog they have in (He was in with us, he's cool), the With You addiction visitations and more! They also expresses interest in taking on a visiting mental health service...
Next Up, The Bike Shop...
So, they finish their table chat and play a bit of limbo under a shutter into the back. Here, we saw their bike shop! This site has 2 usages, in the front it's essentially a community center for the homeless and in the back it's a workshop - specialising in refurbing donated bikes to sell to raise funds for the charity (Sold at The Brick Shop), but also build all sorts other lovely stuff, like a robust memorial bench they were working on for a frequent visitor who passed recently. Further in this space they had an old gym! George, leveraging his connections with Boxing For Better has put The Brick in talks to start running their boxing sessions in the old gym space! Then, Charlie had everyone run outside for a quick photo opportunity, George dropped off some Healthwatch canvas bags for the homeless and a few stress balls.
All in all...
All in all, it was a good trip. We've made a real difference, potentially bringing a brand new service to The Brick Works and left some resources to use. We've established a relationship and with a bit of work, we're intending to maintain it. If you need it, The Brick is a brilliant organisation. They do all sorts for homeless support and don't force anyone into anything. If you need it, we recommend you use their services!
