Vital funds raised by DHP Family’s charity festival Beat the Streets in 2023 have been handed over to Framework to support its work helping the homeless population in Nottingham.
The award-winning festival generated £89,500 from this year’s outing in January – up from £76,000 last year – thanks to a combination of ticket sales, bar takings and donations. All artists generously give their time for free as well.
Since its launch in 2018, the festival has become renowned for the vital funds it has raised for Framework, with the running total now topping £400,000. More than 300 separate individuals have benefited directly from interventions wholly or partly funded through Beat the Streets.
Framework will be putting the funds from this year’s festival towards the creation of eight self-contained flats for entrenched rough sleepers who have been on the streets for more than 20 years.
The charity has already been granted planning permission to build the Housing First flats. The accommodation will provide rough sleepers with permanent housing combined with a programme of unlimited person-centred support towards independence. They will be able to access a range of Framework’s other services including, drug and alcohol, mental health and employment support to ensure outcomes are permanent, and they do not fall back into the cycle of repeat homelessness.
Framework’s Chief Executive Andrew Redfern said: “Thank you to everyone at DHP Family who made it possible to raise a stunning £89,500 at this year’s Beat the Streets festival.
“This is another amazing result and a massive contribution to our urgent work tackling homelessness in Nottingham and further afield. The money raised will play a major part in funding eight new flats for rough sleepers at Birkin Avenue in Nottingham.
“Our partnership with DHP in tackling homelessness is unique and greatly appreciated: the award-winning Beat the Streets festival has become a hugely popular focus for those who are raising awareness of homelessness and encouraging the public to contribute towards tackling it.
“It was astonishing to realise that over the past five years Beat the Streets has raised more than £400,000. This remarkable total demonstrates the magnificent commitment and support of our friends at DHP Family along with all the hundreds of bands, solo artists, technicians, stewards and administrators who have so generously given their time and talent to make it possible.
“More than 300 separate individuals have benefited directly from interventions wholly or partly funded through Beat the Streets. These interventions have taken various forms ranging from emergency shelter, referral for an urgent health assessment, a period in specialist supported housing, or a permanent home with wraparound support.
“The leadership of DHP has motivated other partners, including local businesses, to join the effort – thus further enhancing the scope and effectiveness of responses to homelessness and rough sleeping. There is no doubt that the wholehearted support of DHP, musicians and audiences will continue to be much needed.”
DHP Family’s MD George Akins said: “As a Nottingham based company, it means a lot to all of us that work here to continue to deliver a fantastic Beat the Streets festival each January as we know how vital the funds are to Framework and the people they support across the city.
“We hope to continue to use our expertise as music promoters and festival organisers to make a difference. We are extremely grateful to all the artists who give their time to play and each and every person that bought a ticket as together, we are helping to support something very worthwhile.”
