Marylebone Project celebrates 10th anniversary
7 June 2006
Unique women's homelessness project celebrates tenth anniversary with help from Pam Rhodes
The Marylebone Project, the UK's largest centre dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless women celebrates its tenth anniversary today (Wednesday 7th June 2006) with a re-opening ceremony hosted by broadcaster and Church Army Patron Pam Rhodes that will feature the launch of the project's new logo and website at www.maryleboneproject.org.uk which will be launched by Westminster's Lord Mayor Councillor Alexander Nicholl.
This unique two-hostel project, launched 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 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.
The project currently 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 Westminster Adult Education Services now in its fifth year.
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."
The project, which is reliant on donations from churches, individuals and trusts provides all of its services free of charge to the most marginalised and vulnerable women through a needs led philosophy of operation in line with its Christian ethos.
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."
Lydia Gladwin, Chair of the Portman House Trust Board of Management comments: "My task is to ensure that this project stays firmly focused on meeting the needs of the local community. We work hard to share both a personal and practical interest in the care and needs of residents and users and we are delighted that so much progress has been made in the project this year. Our only concern is that the project is so popular it is having to turn away between 40-50 women each month due to capacity issues as we struggle to meet the demands placed on the project."
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 based at 1-5 Cosway St London NW1 5NR and can be contacted on 020 7262 3818.
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.
