Homing in on supporting those in need

A new home to help homeless, disabled or vulnerable people acquire the important skills needed to live independent lives has been officially opened in South Shore.
Councillors Derek Robertson BEM and David O'Hara are given a tour of the accommodation by Nicola Middlehurst from Creating Change HousingCouncillors Derek Robertson BEM and David O'Hara are given a tour of the accommodation by Nicola Middlehurst from Creating Change Housing
Councillors Derek Robertson BEM and David O'Hara are given a tour of the accommodation by Nicola Middlehurst from Creating Change Housing

The home, on Rawcliffe Street, will provide support to up to 23 adults.

Occupants will be referred from Blackpool Youtherapy counselling service and Blackpool Fulfilling Lives, which helps those experiencing homelessness, reoffending, problematic substance misuse and mental ill health. Direct referrals from the NHS and police are also being looked into,

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The project has cost around half a million pounds and it is hoped the first residents will move in within the next two weeks.

The homes in Rawcliffe Street, South ShoreThe homes in Rawcliffe Street, South Shore
The homes in Rawcliffe Street, South Shore

The accommodation is intended to be transitional but residents will be able to stay for up to two years, depending on individual need.

Councillors and representatives of organisations including the police were given a tour of the facilities at the official unveiing and Nicola Middlehurst, of Creating Change Housing, which runs the property, said: “We are trying to give people the practical skills and the support to learn how to do things for themselves, so they can move forward in their lives.

“It’s going to be personalised support, so it all depends on people’s needs.

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"They will be taught how to do everything from managing their own budget to getting into training, education or employment.

A look inside one of the homesA look inside one of the homes
A look inside one of the homes

“Our hopes are that if we can start giving people the necessary skills, we can tackle the problems that cause people to end up homeless in the first place.

“We want to give them a place to tackle their problems, whether that’s alcohol dependency or just if they haven’t finished their education.”

The home will also provide accommodation to Blackpool residents who find themselves facing homelessness but have not lived in the town long enough to qualify for council help.

Currently, the register for affordable housing is only open to people with a local connection to Blackpool, Fylde or Wyre, meaning they must either work here or have lived here for three years.