21.07.06
Homeless centre receives investment

A West Cornwall-based charity aimed at supporting the homeless, is to receive £103,469 of Objective One investment for a two-year project. The investment at the New Connection, in Connexion Street, Camborne, will mean that hundreds of residents are supported.

The New Connection has been running since the mid 1990s, beginning as a café for the homeless in the Methodist church. The centre has grown from three to more than 30 staff and the Objective One investment, matched with money from the Big Lottery Fund, will be used to employ a structured programme co-ordinator.

Brian Ainsley, The New Connection Chief Executive, said that the project will aim to support people that previously the centre was unable to work effectively with. He said: "It is an initial engagement project for new clients. For instance we will be able to do a benefits triage, offer structured day programmes designed to facilitate progression on to further training and employment opportunities, we can look at housing, we can run small workshops and we can help people to move on in their lives."

Part of the project will involve the installation of an IT suite. Mr Ainsley explained: "If some of the people who come to our centre were sent to a college for a course, they would not even make it through the doors. We hope to link computer learning with things they will be interested in. Rather than running a course then trying to get people interested we are trying to find out what pushes their buttons. The 'added value' of the interventions will be to aid relapse prevention and reduce offending behaviour while improving tenancy sustainment and increasing social inclusion through improved life skills."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: "Giving opportunities to all for vocational training and employment is crucial to raising the wealth and optimism of a region. The project will take the initial steps to supporting people without a home into the world of work."

For further information please contact Clare Morgan, Media Relations Manager, Objective One Partnership on 01872 223439 or email: cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in New Connection Engagement project through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

The New Connection is a registered charity with ten years experience helping the homeless in Cornwall. Based in Camborne, the organisation has a range of projects across county, and offers crisis and supported accommodation, or support projects, for some 500 people every year.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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