Press Releases
Bracknell mums move in - 24/10/03
The Mayor of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Shelagh Pile, opened the new PACT Parents House at Bracknell this week. The scheme is a partnership between Parents and Children Together (PACT), Stonham Housing Association, Thames Valley Housing and Bracknell Forest Borough Council. The Venerable Norman Russell, Archdeacon of Berkshire, also blessed the project.
The unit, which will provide 24-hour support for up to 7 very young or vulnerable mothers and their babies, has been built by Thames Valley Housing as part of a larger development of homes for rent to people on the council's housing register. It will be managed by Stonham Housing Association, who have delegated the day-to-day running of the project to PACT, an organisation which exists to support vulnerable families who want to improve their family life.
The project will provide the young women and their babies with a place where they can live, learn and develop in a supportive and stimulating environment. Family support workers help them develop skills which will allow them to live independently. Dads, partners and friends are encouraged to be involved.
The young women are involved in the running of the unit through regular house meetings, as well as more informal input. They will take an active role in keeping the house clean and tidy.
The scheme is the first of its kind in Bracknell to receive funding through the Supporting People scheme, and it is hoped will be the first of many successful partnerships between the agencies involved.
Barry Wildsmith, Housing and Community Manager at PACT said, This is an excellent model of public and private voluntary sectors coming together to tackle the needs of modern society. This resource will help to end the cycle of homelessness and encourage the young mothers to expand their knowledge and improve their lives.
Linda Ingram, Agency Manager (South) for Stonham Housing Association commented, We are very pleased to be working with PACT in providing management support for this exciting new project. Often young mothers need support to so they can learn to become independent whilst bringing up their child. This scheme is much needed in Bracknell and will contribute to improving the quality of life for the whole community.
Further Information
Rosalind Grozier
Communications Officer
Tel 020 8607 0590
Email rosalind_grozier@tvha.co.uk
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