£3.5million homeless project opens
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| PRIDE: Project manager Marie Balfour outside the new hostel |
A £3.5million flagship project for the homeless has opened in Darwen.
The James Street Project, between Bury Street and James Street near the town centre, is a supported housing scheme for single homeless people aged 18 to 65.
Owned and managed by Twin Valley Homes working in partnership with the borough council, it aims to get people off the streets permanently by providing support and training.
Thirty flats, meeting rooms, classrooms, a gym, a digital media suite and medical facilities are staffed by a team of 20 on a rota system 24 hours a day.
Ian Bell, of Twin Valley Homes, said: "There is nowhere else like this in Lancashire as far as I'm aware."
Despite nearby residents' concerns about the project when plans were submitted, Mr Bell said there had been no complaints since the opening.
He said: "The Darwen Shop and Business Association have held a meeting here, as have the local Police and Communities Together team. They seemed impressed by the facilities and will be using the meeting rooms we have.
"It is a major investment into the town and we hope that people will appreciate it."
Mr Bell added: "It's not a direct access hostel like Police Street was, people must be referred by the Housing Needs Team at the council.
"We have had several incidences already where we have had to turn people away from the door. The key aim of what we are doing is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing skills training and building confidence.
"We have also set up links with external agencies and hope to get football training sessions with Blackburn Rovers."
People who move into the centre cannot stay longer than two years but it is hoped the average stay will be 12 months. Already 17 people have moved in and it is expected all rooms will be full in another month.
Ann Dearden, 19, will be moving into a flat at the project shortly.
She said: "I'm looking forward to moving in, it's a lot better than the other homeless places I've been.
"I'm from Darwen, all my friends and family are here, so moving back was a big ambition of mine."
1:10pm Friday 28th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: WayneKerr on 2:17pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Thirty self-contained flats, meeting rooms, classrooms, a gym, a digital media suite and medical facilities, are staffed by a team of 20 on a rota system 24 hours a day.
Fecking brilliant!!
I don't see anyone in there that is a 'Get your lazy arse back to work officer'
Everyone else would have to work their backsides off to pay for all that.
More good tax payers money after bad wasted on these ner-do-wells.
Thirty self-contained flats, meeting rooms, classrooms, a gym, a digital media suite and medical facilities, are staffed by a team of 20 on a rota system 24 hours a day.
Fecking brilliant!!
I don't see anyone in there that is a 'Get your lazy arse back to work officer'
Everyone else would have to work their backsides off to pay for all that.
More good tax payers money after bad wasted on these ner-do-wells.
Posted by: Petrifiedhippy, Texas on 2:46pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[italic]WayneKerr ~ it is my greatest hope that circumstance, never ever, leaves you homeless...[/italic]
This is an ultimate idea, that can be applied to any city with bulging homeless problems.
WayneKerr ~ it is my greatest hope that circumstance, never ever, leaves you homeless...
This is an ultimate idea, that can be applied to any city with bulging homeless problems.
Posted by: Newradkid, Darwen on 3:20pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Wind your neck in WayneKerr
There are many men and women on the streets that YOU owe a personel debt to,the ex service people who,through no fault of their own ,are having problems,directly because of the the service they have gone through TO GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO FREELY SHOOT YOU'R GOB OFF WIHTOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION.
So think you'r next comment through to it's conclusion,not all people who find themselves in this position are layabouts
Wind your neck in WayneKerr
There are many men and women on the streets that YOU owe a personel debt to,the ex service people who,through no fault of their own ,are having problems,directly because of the the service they have gone through TO GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO FREELY SHOOT YOU'R GOB OFF WIHTOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION.
So think you'r next comment through to it's conclusion,not all people who find themselves in this position are layabouts
Posted by: WayneKerr on 4:58pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Newradkid[/bold] wrote:
Wind your neck in WayneKerr There are many men and women on the streets that YOU owe a personel debt to,the ex service people who,through no fault of their own ,are having problems,directly because of the the service they have gone through TO GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO FREELY SHOOT YOU'R GOB OFF WIHTOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION. So think you'r next comment through to it's conclusion,not all people who find themselves in this position are layabouts [/quote] I contribute every month through direct debit to the poppy appeal and also guide dogs.
Being 'ex-services' does not mean that the whole world owes you their gratitude for the rest of their lives just because they are on hard times.
Many people have their low points, look at the miners during the 80's but they didn't go around claiming that the whole world owed them a 'personal debt' did they?
Accept some responsibility!
I'm just glad that they haven't built this thing near me.
And yes free speech is still allowed in this country without resorting to violence you crevice.
Newradkid wrote:
Wind your neck in WayneKerr There are many men and women on the streets that YOU owe a personel debt to,the ex service people who,through no fault of their own ,are having problems,directly because of the the service they have gone through TO GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO FREELY SHOOT YOU'R GOB OFF WIHTOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION. So think you'r next comment through to it's conclusion,not all people who find themselves in this position are layabouts
I contribute every month through direct debit to the poppy appeal and also guide dogs.
Being 'ex-services' does not mean that the whole world owes you their gratitude for the rest of their lives just because they are on hard times.
Many people have their low points, look at the miners during the 80's but they didn't go around claiming that the whole world owed them a 'personal debt' did they?
Accept some responsibility!
I'm just glad that they haven't built this thing near me.
And yes free speech is still allowed in this country without resorting to violence you crevice.
Posted by: trailers for sale or rent, darwen on 5:29pm Fri 28 Mar 08
what's wrong with the model,snooker table, smack on your doorstep offlicense at bottom of the road,and now they've put a crossing on the road you don't get smashed when your smashed
what's wrong with the model,snooker table, smack on your doorstep offlicense at bottom of the road,and now they've put a crossing on the road you don't get smashed when your smashed
Posted by: jo, Darwen on 7:04pm Fri 28 Mar 08
This is just another reason why Darwen should dump Blackburn. They can then take care of these 'people' themselves. I just wish someone would nick the buldozer from the leisure centre project and knock the fecking thing down. Get rod of this blot on our landscape.
This is just another reason why Darwen should dump Blackburn. They can then take care of these 'people' themselves. I just wish someone would nick the buldozer from the leisure centre project and knock the fecking thing down. Get rod of this blot on our landscape.
Posted by: Jackie, Darwen on 8:32pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Darwen is gonna get even more "skanky people" with this now open!!!
Darwen is gonna get even more "skanky people" with this now open!!!
Posted by: bill, blackburn on 8:56pm Fri 28 Mar 08
this project is just a modern salvation army type hostel and all that place has brought blackburn is drugies.alkys and skanks in to the area
this project is just a modern salvation army type hostel and all that place has brought blackburn is drugies.alkys and skanks in to the area
Posted by: Darwen white, Darwen on 9:31pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Unbelieveable, the homeless of the borough get a gym while the council tax paying residents ahve to make do without one. Pity there wasnt enough land at the hostel site for a pool.
Unbelieveable, the homeless of the borough get a gym while the council tax paying residents ahve to make do without one. Pity there wasnt enough land at the hostel site for a pool.
Posted by: NEWRADKID, DARWEN on 11:19am Sat 29 Mar 08
WAYNEKERR
THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION ON PAYING INTO THE POPPYS AND BLIND DOGS BUT I DID NOT WANT TO SEE YOU BLOW YOUR (COMMENDABLE) TRUMET.
YOU ARE,I PRESUME,SHORT SIGHTED AS YOU HAVE NOT READ MY COMMENTS CORRCTLEY,OBVIOUSLY A TORY N.I.M.B.Y.
BY THE WAY I LIKE YOUR WORD CREVICE LOL VERY GOOD
WAYNEKERR
THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION ON PAYING INTO THE POPPYS AND BLIND DOGS BUT I DID NOT WANT TO SEE YOU BLOW YOUR (COMMENDABLE) TRUMET.
YOU ARE,I PRESUME,SHORT SIGHTED AS YOU HAVE NOT READ MY COMMENTS CORRCTLEY,OBVIOUSLY A TORY N.I.M.B.Y.
BY THE WAY I LIKE YOUR WORD CREVICE LOL VERY GOOD
Posted by: Andy Millar, Buffalo NY on 11:56am Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote]quote[/quote] [quote]Being 'ex-services' does not mean that the whole world owes you their gratitude for the rest of their lives just because they are on hard times.[/quote]
Being ex-services [bold]SHOULD[/bold] mean they are entitled to something. These brave men fought and risked their lives for us. What have you ever done for your country?
quote
Being 'ex-services' does not mean that the whole world owes you their gratitude for the rest of their lives just because they are on hard times.
Being ex-services
SHOULD mean they are entitled to something. These brave men fought and risked their lives for us. What have you ever done for your country?
Posted by: Andy B, Darwen on 2:24pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I completed my 22 years service with the British Army in 2006 and somehow managed to get myself a house, a job and new friends. I certainly do not believe people owe me a living, I take responsibility for myself.
Would I like a hostel in my backyard, the brutal answer is NO, and I suspect that most people would answer the same.
Newradkid - I take it this Hostel is no where near where you are living??
I completed my 22 years service with the British Army in 2006 and somehow managed to get myself a house, a job and new friends. I certainly do not believe people owe me a living, I take responsibility for myself.
Would I like a hostel in my backyard, the brutal answer is NO, and I suspect that most people would answer the same.
Newradkid - I take it this Hostel is no where near where you are living??
Posted by: graham, darwen on 2:58pm Sat 29 Mar 08
when can i move in...?!
Posted by: andy, darwen on 2:58pm Sat 29 Mar 08
i hope that the new hostel also has some educational facilities that way NEWRADKID might be able to learn how to spell!!!!!
i hope that the new hostel also has some educational facilities that way NEWRADKID might be able to learn how to spell!!!!!
Posted by: Bungle, Darwen on 4:26pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Lets all get a room - it sounds fookin top. I wonder if there's a bar? Its got everything else...
Lets all get a room - it sounds fookin top. I wonder if there's a bar? Its got everything else...
Posted by: i,kikabolukoff, on my way to darwen on 5:58pm Sat 29 Mar 08
is this facility open to people who are newly arrived to this fine country god bless queen elizabeth very good king
is this facility open to people who are newly arrived to this fine country god bless queen elizabeth very good king
Posted by: paul, darwen on 11:09am Sun 30 Mar 08
[quote][bold]NEWRADKID[/bold] wrote:
WAYNEKERR THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION ON PAYING INTO THE POPPYS AND BLIND DOGS BUT I DID NOT WANT TO SEE YOU BLOW YOUR (COMMENDABLE) TRUMET. YOU ARE,I PRESUME,SHORT SIGHTED AS YOU HAVE NOT READ MY COMMENTS CORRCTLEY,OBVIOUSLY A TORY N.I.M.B.Y. BY THE WAY I LIKE YOUR WORD CREVICE LOL VERY GOOD [/quote] just got it i mean your name that realy cleaver its spelt backwards DIKDARWEN
NEWRADKID wrote:
WAYNEKERR THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION ON PAYING INTO THE POPPYS AND BLIND DOGS BUT I DID NOT WANT TO SEE YOU BLOW YOUR (COMMENDABLE) TRUMET. YOU ARE,I PRESUME,SHORT SIGHTED AS YOU HAVE NOT READ MY COMMENTS CORRCTLEY,OBVIOUSLY A TORY N.I.M.B.Y. BY THE WAY I LIKE YOUR WORD CREVICE LOL VERY GOOD
just got it i mean your name that realy cleaver its spelt backwards DIKDARWEN
Posted by: BigPete, darwen on 7:50pm Sun 30 Mar 08
Ian Bell, head of housing for Twin Valley Homes, said: "There is nowhere else like this in Lancashire as far as I'm aware."
Despite local resident's concerns about the project when plans were submitted, Mr Bell said that there have been no complaints since the opening.
Brilliant, you bet there's nothing like this elsewhere in Lancashire because nobody would want it! And there won't be any complaints as it's only just opened. Everytime local residents and companies oppose plans and projects they are invariably over-ruled anyway, which makes a mockery of our democratic process.
"It's a major investment into the town..." quite how this project can be construed as a major investment is simply an insult to the hard-working, industrious people of Darwen, that is, those who actually make a contribution to the system.
He's a top man, is our Mr Ian Bell but he'll never live in the shadow of this major investment. Thanks pal and thanks to all those on the council who voted it through. Roll on the next election.
Ian Bell, head of housing for Twin Valley Homes, said: "There is nowhere else like this in Lancashire as far as I'm aware."
Despite local resident's concerns about the project when plans were submitted, Mr Bell said that there have been no complaints since the opening.
Brilliant, you bet there's nothing like this elsewhere in Lancashire because nobody would want it! And there won't be any complaints as it's only just opened. Everytime local residents and companies oppose plans and projects they are invariably over-ruled anyway, which makes a mockery of our democratic process.
"It's a major investment into the town..." quite how this project can be construed as a major investment is simply an insult to the hard-working, industrious people of Darwen, that is, those who actually make a contribution to the system.
He's a top man, is our Mr Ian Bell but he'll never live in the shadow of this major investment. Thanks pal and thanks to all those on the council who voted it through. Roll on the next election.
Posted by: support worker, darwen on 8:27pm Sun 30 Mar 08
when i first saw the completed building i thought it was a new office complex or prehaps a new job centre!
it was only when i started to work with a man that had lived in the "model" for over 10 years then placed out into the community to learn to fend for himself as in the model they had most things done for them.......& now they are being put back into the community to learn to cope with day to day living i work along side a wide variety of people from all walks of life & i do sincerly hope that this new project works & it does teach people the life skills they need but i think darwen could do with alot of other things apart from a new homeless unit.
when i first saw the completed building i thought it was a new office complex or prehaps a new job centre!
it was only when i started to work with a man that had lived in the "model" for over 10 years then placed out into the community to learn to fend for himself as in the model they had most things done for them.......& now they are being put back into the community to learn to cope with day to day living i work along side a wide variety of people from all walks of life & i do sincerly hope that this new project works & it does teach people the life skills they need but i think darwen could do with alot of other things apart from a new homeless unit.
Posted by: Not on my dooorstep!!, Darwen , last refuge of the few on 12:35am Mon 31 Mar 08
[quote]Thirty self-contained flats, meeting rooms, classrooms, [bold]*a gym[/bold] , [italic]**a digital media suite[/italic] and medical facilities, are staffed by a team of 20 on a rota system 24 hours a day.[/quote]
*Great the town has a gym again!!
** WOW the towns first INTERNET cafe!!
Now all i have to do is get hooked on crack, rob a judges home and Bob's yer uncle [bold]FREE[/bold] heating to boot !
Thirty self-contained flats, meeting rooms, classrooms, *a gym , **a digital media suite and medical facilities, are staffed by a team of 20 on a rota system 24 hours a day.
*Great the town has a gym again!!
** WOW the towns first INTERNET cafe!!
Now all i have to do is get hooked on crack, rob a judges home and Bob's yer uncle
FREE heating to boot !
Posted by: GP, Darwen on 10:03am Mon 31 Mar 08
I hope the ignorant idiots above never need to these facilities. With all the news of the credit crunch and people over stretching on their home loans you may be struggling sooner than youy think.
As for the guy mentioning getting back to work - you have to have somewhere to live before you can get a job... its common sense to realise that the classrooms and media facilities are aimed at getting people back into work.
I hope the ignorant idiots above never need to these facilities. With all the news of the credit crunch and people over stretching on their home loans you may be struggling sooner than youy think.
As for the guy mentioning getting back to work - you have to have somewhere to live before you can get a job... its common sense to realise that the classrooms and media facilities are aimed at getting people back into work.
Posted by: WayneKerr on 7:45pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Yeah, yeah whatever?
I'm just glad that this thing is nowhere near me.
'NIMBY'? Ur **** right i am.
If you are that concerned about these homeless victims why not open up your spare room and let them live there?
Thought not.
Yeah, yeah whatever?
I'm just glad that this thing is nowhere near me.
'NIMBY'? Ur **** right i am.
If you are that concerned about these homeless victims why not open up your spare room and let them live there?
Thought not.
Posted by: ConkCity, Lancashire on 6:49pm Tue 1 Apr 08
GP you are right you do need a home before you get a job. One needs stability. However, with the description of this place it will do nothing to encourage them to GET A JOB! Because if they get a job they are more than likely going to have to leave!
3.5 million and 20 staff. Jobs for the boys....sorry and girls!
GP you are right you do need a home before you get a job. One needs stability. However, with the description of this place it will do nothing to encourage them to GET A JOB! Because if they get a job they are more than likely going to have to leave!
3.5 million and 20 staff. Jobs for the boys....sorry and girls!
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