Minister attends official opening of state-of-the-art hostel
22 December 2008
Homelessness Minister Iain Wright on Wednesday attended the official opening of St Mungo's refurbished Endell Street hostel, a state-of-the-art centre that brings health, work and learning programmes together under one roof.
The hostel has undergone a £3.2 million transformation with the aid of a government grant, and now provides residents with access to work and learning opportunities, as well as helping them to address mental and physical health problems.
The hostel also aims to forge stronger links with the local community through access to onsite facilities, including an IT suite, in-house training programmes and a recording studio.
Charles Fraser, St Mungo's Chief Executive, said: "The new Endell Street hostel is a state-of-the-art centre, bringing health, work and learning programmes together under one roof to establish sustainable routes out of homelessness. Helping residents get into work is a particular focus and intensive training services - particularly through our pilot programme Pathways to Employment - will be run on site.
"We are working with the Government to ensure this model is reflected in homeless policy so that homeless people get the support they need to make permanent life changes."
Iain Wright MP said: "Endell Street is an inspirational place, changing how we think about housing provision for the homeless and challenging others to meet its high standards.
"Tackling homelessness in the long-term requires new and innovative projects such as this and everyone involved with Endell Street will have a crucial role to play as we strive to end rough sleeping once and for all."
Endell Street hostel is part of Camden Council's pathway programme, which enables vulnerable people to move from being dependent on the Council through to independent living.
Councillor Chris Naylor, Executive Member for Homes and Housing Strategy, said: "We're committed to making sure the most vulnerable people in our borough have a roof over their heads, and the Endell Street Hostel is one such place."
ENDS.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- For more information please contact Michelle Southby on 0208 762 5570 or michelle.southby@mungos.org, or Lucy Whitford on 0208 762 5645 or lucy.whitford@mungos.org
- St Mungo's is the largest charity for homeless people. We run every day of the year and each night house over 1,400 homeless men and women. St Mungo's run emergency services, support homeless people in their recovery, and work to prevent homelessness.
- St Mungo's has been working in partnership with Camden Council to refurbish the hostel with a £3.2 million grant from the Government's Places of Change Programme. Formerly home to 98 residents, many in shared rooms, the hostel now has accommodation for 53 homeless men and women.
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