Money raised through the appeal will be distributed to eligible charities via the Birmingham Community Action Trust, based at Birmingham Voluntary Service Council. BVSC has been supporting local community and voluntary action in Birmingham for over 100 years.

Birmingham has a rich history of generosity, philanthropy and social action and this year we want to channel all of that into genuinely positive outcomes for local people in Birmingham.

Lent is a traditional festival in which many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxuries as a form of penance. Other faith traditions have similar festivals. It is not uncommon for those who are participating to set aside the money they would have spent on luxuries so they can donate the final total to a good cause.

This year, you can take part in Lent and contribute to a good cause through the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Lent Appeal 2017, which is focusing on raising money for charitable organisations who provide shelter, food and support to rough sleepers and the homeless.

Rough sleeping is on the rise and creates a huge human and financial cost to the city. Intervention by the charities and volunteers who help rough sleepers get back on their feet can create a huge and lasting positive impact for society, improving the quality oflife, personal safety and health of those affected – and their wider communities. These services really do give hope, change lives, and create a happier, healthier Birmingham.