MEP Learns Life skills at Centrepoint Consett (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

MEP Learns Life skills at Centrepoint Consett

May 22, 2009 12:00 AM

Fiona with Centrepoint residents Lesley, Tracy and Jonny

North East Euro-MP Fiona Hall has today met with young people receiving support from youth homelessness charity Centrepoint at its service in Derwentside. Fiona had the opportunity to join in a discussion with young people of the service about healthy lifestyles as part of the charity's Lifewise programme.

Centrepoint provides housing and support to around 800 homeless young people everyday. Its service in Derwentside provides eleven young people aged 16-25 with a safe haven off the streets and the support they need to look forward to a brighter future.

Commenting on her visit Liberal Democrat Fiona said: "It was great to be able to have a chat with the staff and young people at Centrepoint and find out more about how the centre works.

"Centrepoint Derwentside allows the young people in its care to move onto greater independence, not just be offering a roof over their heads, but through lots of training in lifeskills such as health eating and budgeting.

"The shame is that that there is a severe shortage of affordable accommodation for young single people. This is a problem which really needs to be addressed in the County."

Lesley, a resident at the facility took the chance to talk to Fiona about the support that Centrepoint has given her. She said: "If I wasn't at Centrepoint I would be on the streets. Centrepoint has given me the chance to have a roof over my head, meet new people and get my confidence back. They have given me the chance to prove to myself that I can do things. They also provide good advice when it's needed and given me an opportunity to learn new skills."

Neil Bellerby, Centrepoint's regional director of services said: "It was wonderful for us to be able to show Fiona Hall around our service to look at the work that we are doing in the North East. She chatted to the young people in the service and got stuck in with our Life Wise session.

"The Centrepoint Lifewise programme provides homeless young people with the opportunity to learn news skills, gain independence and grow in confidence- crucial factors to give young people the power to regain control of their lives. Through Lifewise young people are able to gain recognised accreditation bolstering their CVs and hopefully opening doors to future employment opportunities, but they also develop the necessary life skills they need when they have moved on from Centrepoint."