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16:26 on 29 July 2010
Marylebone Project History |
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History of the Marylebone Project The Marylebone Project is a partnership between Church Army and the Portman House Trust focussed on empowering women into independent living. Launched by HRH Princess Margaret in 1996, the project is unique as the largest centre in the UK dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless women. Its unparalleled range of services provide practical support, educational opportunities, a shared community and foster a sense of belonging where women are empowered to make informed choices about their lives and develop confidence and self-esteem. Beginnings
The Shaftesbury Institute originally opened Portman House in 1906 and in 1931, at the request of the Trustees of the Shaftesbury Institute the Church Army took over this lodging house. In 1937 three old worn-out houses in Bell Street adjoining Portman House were demolished and on the site was built a commodious lodging house for young women. The new Queen Lodge at 84 Bell Street was opened by the Lady May Abel Smith in 1939. In the 1950's this was renamed Elgood House and today it houses 40 temporary beds for homeless women between the ages of 18-59. On the 5th May 1948 the then Princess Elizabeth (now HM the Queen and Church Army's Patron) opened a new hostel for young women and girls at number 5 Cosway Street. The hostel was named The Marie Carlile House in honour of Miss Marie Carlile who directed the women's work of the Church Army so ably and for so long. In 1968 whole of the property of 1-5 Cosway Street became the women's emergency hostel upgraded in 1995 to provide 54 individual rooms, a Mental Health Unit with 14 beds and four short stay Emergency Beds along with shared kitchens, bathrooms and lounges. The basement houses a separate Women's Day Centre with shower and laundry facilities, social areas and a computer suite. There is also space for various classes and hobby groups and provides separate rooms for one to one advice sessions. Since all the facilities were brought together under the banner of the Marylebone Project in 1996, around 6,900 women have been assisted by the work of our residential care teams and day centre staff. We have secured a national reputation as the largest provider of women only facilities of this type in the UK. About The Portman House Trust The Portman House Trust is a registered charity and Registered Social Landlord formed in 1932 and whose trustees are the Board of the Church Army. Its objectives are social and mission work amongst women and girls in the Marylebone area. About Church Army Church Army is a society of evangelists formed in 1882 whose aim is to share the Christian faith through words and action. Marylebone Project, 1 - 5 Cosway Street, London NW1 5NR |
In 1887, the trainees in the Women's Training College of Church Army took part in 'outdoor rescue work', under experienced leaders, two or three nights each week. Records of the time state that those in need were passed on to the homes provided by other Societies. In 1889 the first small Church Army Rescue Shelter was opened in Tichbourne Street, a small turning off Edgware Road and by 1891 the Church Army Women's Social Work officially began with the opening of the first laundry home in the Marylebone Road.
A partnership between Church Army and Portman House Trust