LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Over 150 guests
joined broadcaster Pam Rhodes and Westminster's Lord Mayor Councilor
Alexander Nicholl on Wednesday, June 7, to celebrate the tenth anniversary
of the Marylebone Project- the UK's largest centre dedicated to meeting
the needs of homeless women, based at Cosway Street, London.
Westminster Lord Mayor at the 10th anniversary event
The Mayor praised the wonderful job done by Church Army and was on hand
to launch the project's new website www.maryleboneproject.org.uk which
provides an overview of the project's services.
Pam Rhodes, broadcaster for BBC's Songs of Praise and Premier Christian
Radio's Hearts and Hymns interviewed resident Melva Grace who thanked
God for Church Army's work at the project which had rescued her from
a life of desperation the streets with no hope. Melva said. “I
really thank God for Church Army, their work has turned my life around
and given me new hope as I move toward fully independent living. I never
thought I would be able to stand here and share this with you all but
I have got new confidence and hope from this project.”
The project, which is reliant on donations from churches, individuals
and trusts provides all of its services free of charge to the most marginalized
and vulnerable women through a needs led philosophy of operation in
line with its Christian ethos. Chair of the Portman House Trust, Lydia
Gladwin said to supporters, “We are delighted to celebrate our
tenth anniversary with you, but still need £160,000 ($296,790
USD) each year to help maintain the vital work of our day centre- please
continue to pray for and financially support this unique work that means
so much to the lives of hundreds of women who would otherwise be spending
their days on the streets of our city.”
This unique two-hostel project, opened by HRH Princess Margaret in 1996,
is run as a partnership between Church Army and the Portman House Trust.
Its focus is to empower homeless women into independent living and offers
a portfolio of service including - residential units, an emergency bed
unit, a mental health unit and a day centre unit to assist homeless
women in their transition to independent accommodation. Since 1996 around
6,900 women have been assisted by the work of the residential and care
teams.
The project accommodates 112 women-and around 45% of the women who have
contact with the day centre are now in regular educational activities
thanks to a partnership with the Westminster Adult Education service
now in its fifth year.
Broadcaster Pam Rhodes in action
The project has had some success in turning round the lives of vulnerable
women in desperate circumstances, and helping them to discover a more
positive outlook and focus to help rebuild their lives. This builds
on the work of Church Army's first rescue shelter for homeless women
set up near the Edgware Road in 1889 by Marie Carlile, sister of the
founder of Church Army - Prebendary Wilson Carlile.
Edwin Bates, The Marylebone Project's Manager, comments “The project
is unique in it's range, size and focus. It has a distinctly spiritual
dimension and has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of women.
Less than 15% of women make it from hostels to successful independent
living so the work we do here is vital and I am delighted that Pam will
be with us to celebrate our ten year milestone.”
Over 700 women each year access the services of the project and many
women come with complex and multiple needs not always just related to
their homelessness, but often inter-linked with experiences of abuse
and exploitation which lead to a fragmented and chaotic lifestyle. Carol
Jones Mental Heath Unit Manager adds: “It is important that we
offer a new experience for women - an environment in which they feel
safe and supported.”
The project is supported by seven charitable trusts, numerous companies
and business, local schools, scouts and brownie groups and 30 churches
from the local area to as far as Worthing and Sandhurst.
The Marylebone Project is a unique two-hostel project in central London
with an aim towards resettlement, offers 5 specialist services (Women's
Day centre. Cosway St Hostel, Rough Sleepers Unit, Elgood/Portman House,
Mental Health Unit) to assist homeless women in their transition between
homelessness and independent accommodation. The Portman House Trust
is a registered charity and social landlord and its objectives are social
and mission work amongst women and girls in the Marylebone area.
The Marylebone Project is based at 1-5 Cosway St London NW1 5NR and
can be contacted on +44 (0) 20 7262 3818.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
For more information contact David Coleman, Church Army's Communications
Manager on +44 (0) 20 8309 3516 or +44 (0)7958 997455
Church Army is a registered charity and society of evangelists within
the Anglican Communion, which exists to enable people to come to a living
faith in Jesus Christ. For more information see www.churcharmy.org.uk
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