|
|
| | The house | |
| |
Vincent House is part of a Christian project called ‘HOMELESS IN BLACKPOOL’, and first opened its doors in March 1985. It is intended as a stepping stone, giving homeless people a chance to reflect on their past, and plan for the future.
With-in the Council Estate of Grange Park and part of the community, Vincent House offers a safe, healthy and constructive environment for those in ‘need’. PLEASE HELP US TO ‘CARE’
|
| |
|
| | The history | |
| |
Vincent House is owned and managed by Homeless in Blackpool – registered Charity No 514716. The House was built in the 1950’s, at which time it was run as a children’s home until our charity took it over at the end of 1984.
Since that time we have extended the house and made many improvements, - and we have tried, as much as possible to create a home environment within the constraints placed upon us.
|
| |
|
| What we provide |
8 twin bedded rooms and 3 semi-independent bed sit units, giving the charity the opportunity to accommodate a total of 19 residents, male and female, aged from 16 to 65. Irrespective of race, colour, creed, & problems of one kind or another.
- 24 hr staff cover
- Full board accommodation
- Counselling
- Personal development
- Simple Life-skills training in the following:-
- Cooking
- Budgeting
- Simple DIY
- Help with seeking housing and employment
- A Full Personal Support Programme
There is no specific time limit to someone’s stay at Vincent House. Some will stay just a few weeks before moving on, whilst others will stay for much longer periods, during which time they can learn to ‘cope’ with everyday living, before moving into other, possibly their own, accommodation. EACH IS AN INDIVIDUAL, usually with more than one problem, and all with different, varying ‘needs’
|
| |
|
|
| | The cry for help | |
| |
The cry from the hundreds who are still homeless is ‘NO accommodation – NO job ; NO job – NO money; - NO money – NO accommodation. And so it goes on – a vicious circle.
Here at Vincent House we provide a break in that chain by providing accommodation, facilities including skills training, and access to help and advice, along with that precious commodity – time.
TIME TO – listen, advise, help, encourage, cope with personal difficulties, develop personal respect, confidence in self, attend educational courses, work training courses, etc.
|
| |
| | | |
| | Interview Agreement | |
| |
The offer of accommodation is always subject to an interview. Unfortunateley we are unable to accommodated persons with convictions for – VIOLENCE, ARSON & SEXUAL OFFENCES.
Agreement of stay is kept simple and to the minimum –
- Not to bring alcohol onto the premises
- No drugs allowed in the premises unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Behaviour that becomes intolerable to others will not be acceptable.
- Disregarding the rules will not be tolerated.
- Harassment, verbal / physical abuse, intimidation and such by staff or residents will not be tolerated.
|
| |
| | | |
| | Some of the reasons | |
| |
Family problems – money worries – loss of job – loss of accommodation – physical/mental abuse – illness – divorce – bereavement – moving to another area – seeking employment in another area – debt – harassment for whatever the reason – health problems – alcohol/drug/gambling addictions –
Of these, and many other circumstances, the most common relates to break-down within the family environment.
The list is endless, and cannot be defined - THIS IS ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG.
|
| |
| | | |
|
| | Special Needs | |
| |
It is often assumed that there are plenty of services available to cater for everyone with ‘special needs’.
There are, however, a great many people who, for whatever reason just cannot cope, but at the same time do not fall into a category for which help might be available.
|
| |
| | | |
| | Our Criteria | |
| |
In accordance with the aims of the project, referrals will be considered for placement at Vincent House, providing the person is:-
- single (to include those separated from their partner) & aged over 16 years.
- HOMELESS, and unable to find suitable accommodation
- In need of some assistance in order to achieve a more settled way of life.
A willingness to participate in Support Services available. It is part of the clients agreement that they have to co-operate regarding a Support Plan. We have a contract with Supporting People to provide support services, our client group have a contract with us to agree to participate.
|
| |
| | | |
| | Why | |
| |
As has been said before nobody chooses to become homeless, but sometimes circumstances catch you unaware, and you find yourself staying for a few nights on a friend’s settee, or down at the local night-shelter (always assuming there is one!), or just walking the streets. Suddenly you are fast becoming aware of the problems of trying to find somewhere to stay.
After days, weeks, or even months of sleeping rough the offer of a warm bed, clean clothes, hot water, good food, all within a ‘caring’ friendly environment seems too good to be true!
The chance to mix socially again, and develop self respect and confidence, helps to ease homeless persons back into the wider community.
|
| |
| | | |
| | Please help us to care | |
| |
Please make your cheques payable to
'Homeless in Blackpool'
|
| |
| | | |
|
|
|
