New centre in Sheffield to help homeless people back into normal life
It's hoped a new multi-million pound centre will help homeless people in Sheffield get back on their feet and live independently
It's hoped a new multi-million pound centre will help homeless people in Sheffield take the next step to living a normal life.
A new ÂŁ2 million facility's opening today which will house vulnerable people in apartments where they'll get support to regain their independence.
It's hoped St Wilfrid's Place will take pressure off homeless hostels who take people off the streets by providing a 'buffer' before they have to live independently.
Josie Brooks is from the charity behind it - she says it'll make a real difference:
"People are staying in accommodation that might not be best suited for them because of this lack of a 'buffer' of another place that's between them and independent living.
"We've learned to bounce back from knock backs - we've had support networks around us - friends, families - supporting us. But if you haven't got anyone around you, it's really difficult. So to be able to have consistent, high-quality support for two years will be really beneficial. It's just really hard to get going again.
"It's so we never see them again. So once people move out, they know how to join their local library, they how to get an appointment with a GP, they know how to join groups and activities - because there's so much going on around Sheffield, it's a fantastic city. So we're helping them lay the groundwork in being able to mirror that away from St Wilfrid's Place."
The centre will provide 20 apartments for people with a history of homelessness.