A major development providing on-site accommodation has opened a new chapter in Trinity Winchester's 35-year history - and Steve Brine MP dropped in to take a look today.
The charity which supports vulnerable and homeless people will this week welcome the first residents of its £1.5m accommodation project, UnderOneRoof@trinity, ahead of its official opening in July.
The project combines the existing purpose-built day centre with new residential accommodation, to create a therapeutic community. It will provide individualised wrap-around support, based on Housing First principles to help people who have been rough sleeping for some time to turn their lives around. Trinity has said it will work closely with Winchester City Council’s Housing Teams to ensure that priority is given to people most in need.
Flats in the new development will have their own bathroom and kitchenette together with a social communal space and a separately accessed therapy room for non-residents to receive counselling and support – both 1:1 and in groups.
The new building, to be named Bradbury View, has been constructed following a successful funding appeal, with just over £300k awarded from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Bradbury View is a highly sustainable “green” building, built using energy-efficient structural insulated panels created by local contractor Bentley Projects. The roof carries an array of solar panels to provide electricity for both buildings. It has been designed to blend in with Trinity’s existing building by award-winning architects Hyphen, who designed the original Day Centre.
Trinity chief executive Sue McKenna said: “At Trinity Winchester, we exist to address the effects of homelessness and vulnerability through specialist practical and emotional support, and proactive prevention, empowering positive change.
“We are at the start of a really exciting new chapter which is adding housing to what we offer for those facing homelessness in Winchester. This fantastic award from The National Lottery Community Fund will enable us to provide the very best support to our new residents. We are delighted The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the work we are doing here in Winchester and we look forward to working together over the next five years to transform rough-sleeping people’s lives for good."
Steve Brine, speaking after his first visit to see Bradbury View, added; "I have always loved Trinity and am just so blown away every time I come here by the work they do and the ambition they show for the charity but also the people it seeks to help. Bradbury View is stunning and has the power to make real lasting change on many vulnerable lives. I am seeking a visit now, as requested, from a senior Minister because what's happening here in Winchester is truly world-class."
Pictured; Steve with Peter North and Amelia Ashton from Trinity.
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Trinity Winchester
