Framework relaunches life changing services

6 July 2010

Four life-changing accommodation, support and training services for homeless and vulnerable people run by Framework, Nottinghamshire's leading homelessness charity, will officially reopen this week following extensive redevelopment.

Celebration events will be held in Nottingham and Worksop on 7 July 2010 to mark the transformation and reopening of three neighbouring services on Bentinck Road in Radford, Nottingham, and at Potter Street in Worksop.

The three adjacent services at Bentinck Road in Nottingham include a registered care home and supported accommodation for older homeless people, and a learning, training and employment centre. The service at Potter Street provides emergency accommodation with support and training for homeless people.

Together, the schemes represent a combined investment of £5.8m to raise the quality of accommodation, support, training and resettlement services for homeless and vulnerable people in Nottinghamshire.

In Nottingham, three existing Framework services have been transformed as follows:

* 32 Bentinck Road: a registered care home has been redeveloped to provide long-term accommodation with 24-hour care for 23 older people who have histories of rough sleeping, long-term drinking and mental health problems.

* 34 Bentinck Road: this new building provides supported housing for older homeless and vulnerable people who wish to retain their independence in 12 high quality self-contained flats.

* 36 Bentinck Road: this existing building has been developed to provide supported accommodation for six homeless and vulnerable young men and to host The EVE Centre - a brand new learning, training and employment resource for Framework's Education, Volunteering and Employment (EVE) service.

The schemes at Bentinck Road are funded by the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA) National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP), by the HCA's Places of Change Programme (PCP), and by the Neighbourhood Development Company/ Castle Cavendish Foundation (36 Bentinck Road only) each with significant contributions from Framework.

In Worksop, a redevelopment scheme has seen the Potter Street emergency accommodation service - which previously occupied 55-57 Potter Street - extend across two adjacent properties at nos. 51 and 53. It now offers twelve high-quality self-contained units to accommodate local homeless and vulnerable people, and space for Framework and partner agencies to deliver learning and training programmes.

The Potter Street redevelopment is funded by the NAHP and PCP, with a contribution by Framework.

Andrew Redfern, Framework's Chief Executive, says: "We know there is a direct relationship between the quality of services that homeless and vulnerable people receive and the outcomes they achieve. Specialist housing, support, care, training and prevention work are all important in empowering them to overcome their problems and get their lives back on track.

"The new services at Bentinck Road in Nottingham and Potter Street in Worksop will create positive environments for living, caring and learning. They will empower local people to overcome their problems and change their lives.

"Last year, Framework supported nearly 7,000 homeless and vulnerable people in Nottinghamshire. Despite the challenge posed by the difficult economic and financial climate in which this is happening, we remain committed to reaching and helping people when they need us the most. The re-opening of these four services following extensive refurbishment is evidence of this and an occasion to celebrate."

Margaret Allen, Director, Homes and Communities Agency, says: "We are delighted to see work complete at the schemes in Nottingham and Worksop and to witness how the projects are benefiting local homeless and vulnerable people. By offering quality accommodation and a range of training and support services, the scheme meets the HCA's key objective which is to create opportunity for people and places to develop thriving communities."

Cllr Dave Liversidge, Portfolio Holder for Housing Delivery at Nottingham City Council, says: "Nottingham City Council, through its Supporting People team and Framework have developed a strong partnership that is making a big difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable and challenging people.

"Being able to provide good quality and attractive accommodation and facilities is essential for people to gain the ability and confidence to live more independently and move onwards. On behalf of Nottingham City Council I would like to congratulate Framework on the designs of the new centres and the transformation that has taken place."

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