Singer-songwriter Sam Fender is to put his support of a homeless charity based in his hometown of North Shields on an official footing.
The double Brit award-winner who will be playing at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on April 5 and 6, as part of his current UK tour, has been a high profile supporter of North East Homeless in recent years. Now the 27-year-old who burst onto the national music scene four years ago - being named by BBC Sounds as an ‘artist to watch’ for 2018 - has agreed to become patron of the charity.
The acclaimed musician says he's delighted to be on board. He said: “It’s an honour to help a charity that’s so close to my heart. Homelessness is a massive problem. North East Homeless helps so many people to turn their lives around, families shouldn’t be struggling through no fault of their own.”
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Poverty and homelessness has long been a cause close to Sam's heart, and he gave a shout out for North East Homeless at this year's Brit awards where he picked up the Best Alternative/Rock Act.
Accepting the accolade he told the audience and millions watching at home: "Thanks to everyone who voted back in Shields and to everybody at the North East Homeless centre who's watching us, who we support and love."
Brian Burridge, who set up North East Homeless with his wife, Emma, said that Sam had been a real champion of their work. “Even though he’s now an internationally recognised artist, Sam has always kept his strong connections with the area.
"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.”
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 continued: “Sam has already been a huge help to us. 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.
Further information about North East Homeless – which has also just unveiled plans for a huge revamp of its current facilities – is available at www.northeasthomeless.org.uk
