A luxurious dinner date in Birmingham city centre eight years ago proved to be a life-changing moment for one Solihull couple, leading them to establish a vital service that has since helped thousands of people in need.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Alan and Katherine Strang were stepping out of a fancy restaurant when the harsh reality of Birmingham's street homelessness confronted them. "We were stepping over people to get home," Alan recalled. "That was when the penny dropped." This stark contrast between their comfortable evening and the struggles of those on the streets prompted them to take action, founding what would become the charity Let's Feed Brum.
Building a Lifeline for Birmingham's Vulnerable
Starting with a simple soup kitchen, the charity has grown significantly. Today, it operates two weekly daytime sessions in Cathedral Square, also known as Pigeon Park, every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Their Tuesday service is particularly comprehensive, providing hot cheese toasties, bacon and sausage sandwiches, snack bags, and hot drinks from their van. They also distribute essential clothing items like sleeping bags, socks, and pants.
Beyond physical sustenance, the service offers something equally crucial: a sanctuary. Katherine Strang emphasises that for those who are homeless or in temporary accommodation, it provides a safe space to meet others and feel welcome. Many individuals plan their days around places where they are allowed to stay for limited periods, often being moved on from commercial venues.
Expanding Reach with Nightly Outreach
The charity's work extends far beyond the twice-weekly park sessions. A nightly outreach programme sees teams split across the city centre, delivering hot meals and support from a hub on New Hall Street. Katherine notes that the people they encounter at night are often in a different mental state, making conversation more difficult, but the team remains on hand to assist anyone in immediate need.
The initiative is 100% volunteer-led and enjoys strong community support. Businesses within the Colmore Business Improvement District (BID) frequently sponsor breakfasts, and different local restaurants provide the food for the nightly outreach. The charity also facilitates other forms of support, such as free haircuts provided by an asylum seeker volunteer.
One service user, Darren, explained how the charity helps him survive. Having moved into shared accommodation after being unable to afford his own flat due to the cost of living, he relies on the food, drink, and clothing provided. "It helps me out really good every week," he said. "Two days a week, it supports you for the next couple of days."
Alan Strang is candid about the complex challenges facing those they help, identifying addiction to cheap and readily available drugs like Mamba as a primary problem. While he states that accommodation can be found for around 90% of homeless people, many are not yet ready for it, needing to be clear of substance dependencies first. The charity works closely with organisations like Standing Tall to help individuals progress towards stable housing.
For a few hours each week, Let's Feed Brum provides more than just a meal; it offers a stepping stone, signposting to other services, and, most importantly, a place where the city's most vulnerable residents are seen, heard, and valued.
