Newsletter: August 2011

Dear Supporters,

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2012, and a Happy New Year to all.

Thanks in no small part to all the fantastic donations that we had, Christmas was an amazing time here at Wirral Churches', both for the hostel residents and those in our dispersed houses. We had all manner of goods coming in every day, food, toiletries, gifts, and people who offered their time to help in whatever way they could. All this meant we could give the very best Christmas we could to those in our care, many of whom had never had, or couldn't remember, a proper Christmas with all the trimmings. There was a carol service, Christmas party, huge Christmas dinner and evening buffets. There was a lot of mixed emotions but the staff were always on hand, tears mopped and smiles returned. A truly special time.

We have undergone some recent staff changes in that Kevin Hogan our Hostel Manager is now in charge of Training and Development, and Tracy Upton has taken over as Hostel Manager. Both these members of staff bring a wealth of experience to their role and can only increase the high levels of care and support offered to our clients.

The daily drop in is now open 7 days a week as there was a real lack of provision for care and support, particularly for rough sleepers, on weekends. All are welcome between 7.30 am and 1.30 pm every day, except Tuesday when we close at 10.30am for training.

From Monday January 9th 2012 we will be raising the lower age limit of our clients to 25. This does NOT apply to the drop in. There is a very large specialist provision on the Wirral for under 25's, and we have long felt that many of our older clients find the mixing with youngsters very difficult. Anybody under 25 who is looking for accommodation should contact Forum Housing on 0800 234 6007 or the Council Homeless Section.

If anyone has any comments, queries, would like to look round in person, or would like a speaker for a group, then please don't hesitate to contact me.

Good Wishes,

Anne O'Marah
Chief Executive