A charity helping the homeless has had its Chichester HQ revamped thanks to the help of clients, staff and volunteers. And all under the watch of new manager Alison Rushton.
Stonepillow Chichester Hub, which has been offering support to rough sleepers and those who are “vulnerably housed” for 25 years, has benefitted from a major refurbishment.
The work has been led by newly appointed hubs manager Alison. And with support from Dulux Chichester, the team completely revamped the downstairs of the building. To keep the workforce going they were provided with fish and chips donated by LA Fish.
Chichester Hub now provides a “bright, uplifting space”, where seven days a week people can get breakfast and lunch and a “warm non-judgemental welcome”.
“As well as providing food, showers, laundry facilities, fresh clothes and the use of a telephone, there’s a range of activities for groups and individuals offering support, training and guidance,” says a spokesman.
“We offer clients one-to-one key working sessions and personalised support focused on an individual’s needs including options for housing, addiction and dealing with mental health issues. Health is a priority with a weekly GP clinic and a needle exchange on site.
“Computers are being set up for clients to use for training purposes as well as helping them keep in touch with family and friends.
StonepIllow Chichester is also keen to provide a wider range of services for clients and want to turn the hub a “one stop shop”. CEO Geoffrey Willis explained: “We want to open it up to partner agencies, mental health organisations and substance misuse services to ensure the widest possible support is available to those wishing to make positive change to their lives.”
Alison says Stonepillow is for anyone who wants help to turn their life around. She added: “We recognise that everyone has different challenges to overcome and different changes they need to make to get back to independent living; so each individual’s journey is different. Chichester Hub can be the first step of this journey, we understand it may be daunting for some but we have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting our clients every step of the way.”
Contact 01243 775925 or chichester.hub@stonepillow.org.uk.
