9 Jun 2006 - New 'Counsel House' opens in Stevenage

Barbara Follett MP opened Stevenage Haven's new counselling summer house on Friday 9th June.

The 'Counsel House' will be used by the residents of Chris Foster House, the Haven's Emergency Single Homeless Hostel. The 'Counsel House' relieves the current pressure on rooms for counselling and will also be used for other day service activities when not in use for counselling. The current summer house, named by residents 'The Serenity Shed', was becoming increasingly overbooked, and 'The Counsel House' will allow the staff to increase the number of hours each week devoted to counseling and alternative therapies.

The residents have decorated the summer house themselves, and have also chosen its name. The new building was paid for through a grant from Awards for All, with furniture coming from donations from the Haven's supporters.

Mrs Follett also met with the Haven's staff for a discussion on homelessness issues in Stevenage. Chris Foster House accommodates 14 homeless men and 4 homeless women aged 16 and over and is normally full. When a bed does become free it is frequently filled the same day. Last year 525 referrals had to be refused because of lack of space.

Mrs Follett said "The staff and residents at Stevenage Haven have worked extremely hard to make sure that the Haven has this facility. Counselling plays a major role in helping the homeless help themselves and I was honoured to be asked to open the new building."






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