Mobile shower unit that brings dignity to Birmingham Cathedral

“Just to hear someone come out of a shower and say I feel human again.

“It issimple moments of shared humanity; these little moments in people’s lives, that mmake all the difference.

Sarah Lamptey MBE founder ShowerBox

Birmingham Cathedral is helping to bring dignity to those experiencing homelessness by hosting a mobile shower facility in its grounds.

It is the first location outside of London for the charity, ShowerBox, which was born in 2018 in London from the human need to feel good and lead a safe life and has since been empowering people by bringing a free shower space and sure. they face homelessness.

ShowerBox works alongside the charity Let’s Feed Brum, which sets up outside Birmingham Cathedral every Tuesday, providing those in need with food, hot drinks, service signage and a friendly face.

rev. Andy Delmege, Canon Missionary at Birmingham Cathedral, said:

“The facilities provided by Showerbox are a valuable extension of our ongoing work with Let’s Feed Brum, which feeds over 150 people in Cathedral Square every week.

“Our building and grounds are a place of refuge for many and we are committed to using this space to serve the local community.

“Those in need can now have access to food, supplies and a hot shower, alongside ongoing in-person support from our partners – which is a key part of our commitment as a welcoming inner-city cathedral community.”

Sarah Lamptey is the founder and head of fundraising for ShowerBox and a former volunteer for various homeless organizations.

Sarah used crowdfunding and the generosity of friends and family for the first ShowerBox project in St Giles in the Fields, London, and ShowerBox now has four shower trailers, including a permanent shower container that holds two showers.

As of 2018, ShowerBox has provided approximately 15,000 showers, 10,000 pairs of underwear and 4,000 haircuts (providing clippers to guests).

She received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honors List for services to homelessness and said:

“This is just the beginning!

“Our team in Birmingham have ambitious plans to reach even more people and we hope to inspire others across the country to work with us to help bring dignity to those in need.

“ShowerBox is dedicated to boosting mental health and confidence, enabling people to maintain good personal hygiene, boost confidence and motivation and stop the spread of disease.

“These partnerships provide not only showers but access to a vital support service in the heart of our city centres.

“And just to hear someone come out of a shower and say I feel human again.

“It’s these simple moments of shared humanity; these little moments in people’s lives that make all the difference.

Birmingham’s ShowerBox can be found outside the cathedral every Tuesday between 9am and 2pm.