The Salvation Army has always been at the forefront of social policy and making its voice heard on social issues. Since William Booth, the Army's founder, first told his son to go and do something for those who had nowhere to sleep, the Army - within the UK - has become the largest provider of welfare services, other than the Government. Within Birmingham City, the Salvation Army has been trying to meet the needs of the community through residential and day care programmes, adjusting the services to meet the needs of a changing society.

At the present time there is a large hostel where, on average, over 80 men and women find accommodation each night. Some stay for a few nights, but some know this as their home and have done so for a number of years. The programme is one of resettlement into places of their own, but for some it must be accepted that they may never be able to live without support.

Some years ago there arose a demand for places for mothers and children escaping domestic violence. The Salvation Army is able to meet that need with a highly respected centre in Birmingham. This has become a place of refuge and safety for a number of families. The maximum that can be accommodated at any one time is 10 mothers and 26 children. Sadly, on occasions this has proved inadequate. The centre also provides the local community with playgroup provision, before and after school clubs, and holiday play schemes during the main school holidays.

A Drop-in Centre provides day care for the homeless and recovering mentally ill. Here men and women can find a place where help and assistance can be given along with food and personal care and, if required, accommodation. Two centres, in Nechells and Aston, offer day care for the elderly.

What of the future? Planning permission has been given for a new family centre to be named after Lord Dennis Howell. This will enhance the high quality of care and replace the domestic violence unit with modern, self-contained flats, whilst maintaining the care and security that is required. The receipt of European funding to develop an employment training unit for the homeless and those socially excluded is eagerly awaited. The current hostel was built for the 1970s not 2000 and a programme of refurbishment is planned to bring it up to a quality which will continue to offer a high standard of care.

All this is done in Christ's name by people who are committed to serving those whom Christ would want them to serve.