Phone box turned into 'hope box' for rough sleepers

A disused phone box in Nottingham has been transformed into a resource to help rough sleepers find "vital support" while on the streets.

The phone box in Hockley is due to be officially opened on Monday by the charity Framework and It's in Nottingham, to provide rough sleepers with information on where to find help.

The new "hope box" will include a map showing the locations of a range of services, from street kitchens and clothing essentials to harm‑reduction, advice, and wellbeing services.

Artwork created by people who previously slept rough has also been created to provide the revamped phone box with messages of "hope and recovery".

Phil was one of several service users invited by Framework to create artwork for the phone box, taking part in artist-led weekly sessions.

Following a personal loss, Phil began taking drugs as a way to cope with grief.

After seeking help from Nottingham Recovery Network, Phil is now drug-free and is continuing his recovery with plans to volunteer and support others who use the same charity as he did.

He 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."

Residents of Framework's newly opened Grove House, which provides accommodation for women previously sleeping on the streets, also created artwork for the phone box.

One of the residents said: "If there was a place that showed you exactly where to go if you needed help, that would have helped me.

"When you're struggling and don't know the area, not knowing where to go just makes everything worse."

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."

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."

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