Sam Fender has agreed to become patron of North Shields based charity North East Homeless.
With homecoming dates at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 5th and 6th April, Sam has been a strong supporter of the charity in recent years.
North East Homeless operates from a unit at Northumberland Street, North Shields where it offers a range of services for homeless people, including food, training and support. The Fish Quay Hub is also open to the public who can use the event spaces and the café, which helps raise funds for their work.
Brian Burridge, who set up the charity with his wife, Emma, explained that Sam has long been a champion, even giving a shout out as part of his BRIT Awards acceptance speech earlier this year.
“Even though he’s now an internationally recognised artist, Sam has always kept his strong connections with the area,” said Brian. “It started during lockdown when he couldn’t tour so he used to pop in here all the time, sometimes just sitting and playing the piano.
“We’ve always been a bit of a safe space for him and he just always pops in when he can. We are absolutely delighted that he’s agreed to be our patron.”
“Sam has already been a huge help to us,” continues Brian.“He helped support our campaign to get councils to offer free helplines for vulnerable people in need of support rather than charge premium number prices.
“Him sharing this on his social media channels made all the difference to our success and it’s a massive boost to us to have him on our side. He may now be a globally recognised musician but he’s still a lad from North Shields who always remembers where he came from.”
“It’s an honour to help a charity that’s so close to my heart,” Sam explains. “Homelessness is a massive problem, North East Homeless help so many people to turn their lives around, families shouldn’t be struggling through no fault of their own.”
Further information about North East Homeless is available at www.northeasthomeless.org.uk
