Homeless people in Rushmoor will get one-to-one support as they try to rebuild their lives thanks to funding from a local housing association.
Thames Valley Housing (TVH) has donated £5,000 from its Community Chest to The Vine Day Centre in Aldershot, which provides drop-in advice and support for homeless and vulnerable people aged 25 and over. The money will help fund a dedicated key worker who will work closely with the centre’s clients.
Susie Porter, The Vine Day Centre Manager, said, “As well as being homeless, many of our clients have mental health issues or are fighting addictions to drugs and often alcohol as well. The support the key worker will provide will be vital to enable people to make positive changes to their lives. The worker will meet regularly with the client, help with them with any problems and make sure the support package they have is still appropriate.”
This is the second time TVH has made a donation to the Centre. The number of clients the Centre saw increased from 5,072 visits in 2008 to 6,431 visits in 2009.
Susie says, “The work we do means many of our clients go on to achieve secure accommodation and get employment. This benefits the whole community as there is less drug and alcohol related crime so the streets are safer. There is also a reduction in the number of ex-offenders returning to prison.”
John Baldwin, TVH Housing Director, said, “I am delighted we’ve been able to support the vital work this organisation does. It is of huge benefit to the whole community. It doesn’t just get people into homes; it gives them their lives back.”
For more information on Community Chest email Rosalind Grozier, Communications Officer