Sam Fender announced as patron of local homeless charity
Sam Fender said he was “honoured” to help a charity “that’s so close to my heart” when he was announced as a patron of North East Homeless.
The musician, who hails from North Shields, has been vocal in supporting charities for the homeless and paying tribute to their work while accepting his Brit Award earlier this year.
North East Homeless operates from a unit in Northumberland Street, North Shields where it provides a range of services to the homeless including food, training and support.
Brian Burridge, who founded the charity with his wife Emma, said Fender has long been an advocate of their work.
Fenders with Brian Burridge (NE Homeless)
He said: “Although he is now an internationally recognized artist, Sam has always maintained a strong connection with the area.
“It started during lockdown when he couldn’t tour, so he used to drop by here all the time, sometimes he just sat and played the piano.
“We’ve always been a safe place for him and he just pops in whenever he can.
“We are very pleased that he has agreed to be our patron.
“Sam has already been a great help to us.
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“He helped support our campaign to get communities to offer free hotlines to vulnerable people who need support, rather than charging premium number prices.
“Having him share this on his social media channels has contributed to our success and having him on our side is a tremendous boost for us.
“He may be a world-renowned musician now, but he’s still a boy from North Shields who always remembers where he came from.”
Fender added, “It’s an honor to help a charity that is so close to my heart.
“Homelessness is a massive problem, North East Homeless is helping so many people transform their lives, families should not be fighting through no fault of their own.”
More information about North East Homeless – which has also just announced plans for a major makeover of its current facilities – is available at www.northeasthomeless.org.uk.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/sam-fender-announced-as-patron-of-local-homeless-charity-41507369.html Sam Fender announced as patron of local homeless charity
