A disused phone box in Nottingham has been transformed into a beacon of hope as a resource to help vulnerable people sleeping on the streets find support.
The phone box in the Hockley area of Nottingham city city has been provided by Framework and It’s in Nottingham and will now provide an invaluable resource to signpost rough sleepers and the general public to vital support.
A map showing the locations of a range of services from street kitchens, clothing and essentials to harm reduction, advice and wellbeing services adorns the new ‘hope box’.
Artwork created by people being supported by the Nottingham Recovery Network and residents of Framework’s newly opened Grove House, the accommodation for women previously sleeping on the streets, provide inspiring messages of hope and recovery.
Phil was one of several service users invited by Framework to create artwork to transform the phone box, taking part in artist-led weekly sessions.
Following personal loss, Phil began taking drugs as a way to cope with grief. When his use escalated to almost daily and became unmanageable, he sought help from Nottingham Recovery Network. Now drug-free, Phil continues his recovery with plans to volunteer and support others on their journey.
Phil said: “Nottingham Recovery Network’s support helped me feel understood and not alone, and gave me practical tools to cope with difficult emotions in a healthier way. The workshop was really meaningful for me — the theme of transformation and hope reflected my recovery journey, and creating the piece felt like a powerful expression of clarity and positive change.”
The women at Grove House creating the art pieces also shared what it meant to them.
“If there was a place that showed you exactly where to go if you needed help, that would’ve helped me. When you’re struggling and don’t know the area, not knowing where to go just makes everything worse.”
The freephone number for the general public to alert the charity to any people who are sleeping rough will also be on display. The Street Outreach Team will try to find them and provide support. Freephone 0800 066 5356 or text ‘SOT’ followed by a message to 80800.
A series of campaigns will run in the Hope Box, starting with the chance to donate via a QR code to help Framework purchase birth certificates for people in need to enable them to access vital services including accommodation, bank accounts and support.
Framework’s Head of Fundraising and Communications Claire Eden said: “It is wonderful to be asked to participate in the transformation of this iconic phone box, turning it into an artwork and a resource for people who are homeless or at risk of rough sleeping. Framework service users have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the art sessions and are delighted to be present at the launch of the project today. We’d like to thank It’s in Nottingham, Carousel, and Grow Notts for reaching out to Framework and its service users.”
Alex Flint, CEO of Nottingham’s city centre Business Improvement District, It’s in Nottingham said: “The restoration of this iconic phone box has not only transformed a vandalised eyesore, it has created an attractive and functional landmark in Nottingham which will help to make the city centre a safer and more welcoming place.”
