A WORCESTERSHIRE homeless organisation set up in memory of a rough sleeper who died in a tent next to the River Severn has joined the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
The Cardon Banfield Foundation, which launched last July, applied to become a member of the council which supports voluntary organisations in leadership and training.
The foundation works to respond to homelessness and was the leading organisation to obtain a Safeguarding Adults Review – released in 2020 – into the death of rough sleeper Cardon Banfield and other rough sleepers in Worcestershire including Joby Sparrey and Remi Boczarski.
The review called for more joined up thinking around services in Worcestershire, something that the foundation started in 2015 when it successfully campaigned for a homelessness forum in the city.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ryan Atkins said: “The membership will allow the Cardon Banfield Foundation to continue to work towards its aim of responding to homelessness.
“Since gaining membership we have commenced work on writing our charity constitution as well as written many policies in order to ensure we are following the minimum statutory requirements.
“I would like to personally send my thanks to the NCVO for their support during what is a very important time for the Cardon Banfield Foundation
“I am honoured to be chairman of trustees and work with people that share a passion of supporting those who are either at risk or are currently homeless. The hard work and dedication will continue with our Satellite Hub programme and other future projects,” he added.
The successful application marks the latest step on the journey for the foundation which aims to register formally as a charity this year.
Foundation chiefs are on the hunt for a satellite team leader for Worcestershire to enhance their work.
Visit www.cardonbanfield.org/satellite-hubs or e-mail [email protected] for more.
