Trinity Winchester will open a new chapter in its 34 years of supporting homeless and vulnerable people in Winchester District by providing accommodation on-site for the first time.
Winchester and Chandler’s Ford MP, Steve Brine attended a small, socially-distanced ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on Monday 12 Oct, along with The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Patrick Cunningham and HM Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson.
UnderOneRoof@trinity will comprise of 12 ‘flatlets’ for people who are rough-sleeping repeatedly –often the hardest to reach and to help in our community. The flatlets will have en suite bathrooms to reduce the risk of contagion through sharing facilities, protecting both occupants and the wider community. Residents will be offered individualised person-centred support to help them get their lives back on track and move towards successfully living independently.
Speaking after the event, Steve Brine said: "The ambition and compassionate of Trinity, supported as they are by their partners and the local community, never ceases to amaze."
"Durngate View is the perfect partner for the work that goes on day in, day out at the centre and I know it’s going to herald an exciting new chapter in the charities’ work supporting some of the most vulnerable in our city.”
UnderOneRoof@trinity will enhance the day centre services that Trinity has offered for more than 30 years, the last 10 at its purpose-built Bradbury House day centre in Durngate. These include hot meals, showers and laundry provision, health and wellbeing support in partnership with St Clements’ Surgery, counselling, and learning, IT training and employability mentoring delivered with local businesses. Trinity helps over 650 individual users annually.
Sue McKenna, Trinity’s Chief Executive said: “UnderOneRoof@trinity will enable people in most need to live on our site and not have to go back to sleeping rough when we close for the day. It will give people a safe space and person-centred support to address the underlying issues that have led to their repeatedly ending up on the streets”.
A regular user of Trinity’s day services commented: “I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to live here and have the support I need for a brighter future”.
Pictured; The Lord Mayor Winchester breaking ground
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