Run by homelessness charity Brighton Housing Trust, the First Base Heritage & History Project restored the Grade II* listed 18th-century building that served as a day centre. It also gave clients the chance to take part in a range of activities. These included researching the history of homelessness and workhouses locally which provided educational material for local schools, universities and residents’ groups. A social history project was also delivered as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival.

Other opportunities included training in creating mosaics, heritage paint effects, gilding techniques and plasterwork.

Some 200 homeless clients volunteered during the project and 90% felt they had increased their knowledge and understanding of heritage. Some two-thirds said the project had helped them to interact and communicate more effectively with other people.

The project used the research to create heritage trails for local residents and visitors. These were led by homeless clients, including Steve Bell who had uncovered the history of Victorian workhouses in Brighton and devised a trail. He said: “Lottery funding pretty much saved my life. Thank you for buying your tickets. Without them none of these charities would survive.”