Lord Shipley opens transformed Newcastle homeless scheme

A centre for homeless people in the heart of Newcastle’s West End has been officially opened by former City Council leader Lord Shipley following a major redevelopment programme.

The £2.2 million Elliott House scheme, run by The Cyrenians, was made possible by £1 million in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Places of Change programme, which supports projects to tackle homelessness and help people get their lives back on track through training, education and skills.

“This is a truly wonderful facility,” said Lord Shipley. “It is inspiring and functional. Those who find themselves in need of The Cyrenians’ support will undoubtedly benefit from the very best environment in which to begin their recovery.

“I am particularly impressed with the opportunity for homeless couples to be supported at Elliott House. It’s a subject close to my heart and fundamental to sustaining positive change in our society.”
The innovative residential recovery, therapy and training centre combines accommodation, addiction services and facilities, helping vulnerable and previously homeless people to progress into training and employment.

“This project will make a real difference to people’s lives, helping them to move on with new skills and new opportunities,” said Tom Warburton, head of strategy, programme and performance in the North East for the Homes and Communities Agency. "Our Places of Change programme is all about transforming local services for people facing homelessness, and Elliott House is a great example of that approach in action.”

The scheme is one a number of projects supported by the Homes and Communities Agency in Newcastle’s West End. It follows the recent announcement of a £9.8 million investment to prepare land at Scotswood for development of new homes, a £1.7 million grant to support a pioneering green heating scheme at nearby Riverside Dene and a £2 million investment replacing unpopular deck access flats at Blakelaw.

The Elliott House scheme provides 38 bedrooms with fully equipped learning areas including a new film making studio. The entrance and reception area leads on to activity areas, a new restaurant/cafe-style eating area, an organic garden and an external courtyard.

Meanwhile, the facility also offers job search support and study areas, as well as a medical room which is available for use by the local community.

“At Elliott House we focus on a sustained recovery and progression into an independent, fruitful way of living. We know that by treating people with respect in good quality surroundings, they engage more quickly and more effectively with meaningful activity,” said Stephen Bell, The Cyrenians’ chief executive.

The six-month redevelopment also provided opportunities for eight formerly homeless trainees through placements with The Cyrenians’ own construction company, TCUK Property Services, which trains and employs ex-service users who are pursuing careers in the construction sector.

The Grade II listed building was originally designed by Tyneside architect John Dobson, with the redevelopment designed by Jane Darbyshire & David Kendall (JDDK) Limited. The project was also supported by the National Treatment Agency, and Newcastle City Council.