Shekinah opens new space for homeless

FACILITIES INCLUDE HEALTH, EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CAFÉ

- ANDY PHILLIPS

PLYMOUTH charity Shekinah has turned the page on a new chapter after moving into new premises at Stonehouse Creek this week - with CEO John Hamblin saying homelessness now 'impacts far more people than it used to do.

The organisation this week moved out of their Bath Street base, where they have been for more than 30 years, to the new centre which offers a wider range of community facilities including health services, training, education, employment, housing services and even a café.

Mr Hamblin said there were 'mixed emotions' in leaving their former premises, but believes Shekinah will now be able to offer a far better range of resources for the city's most vulnerable people.

Mr Hamblin describes the 'changing face of homelessness' and says rough sleeping is now only a small proportion of those helped with many more sleeping in cars, vans or in temporary accommodation.

The new building is a wellbeing hub and warm space for those affected by the cost-ofliving crisis, and will host the Plymouth Soup Run, offering free meals to thousands of people in the city every year including those on low incomes.

But there is also free support to find employment through a contract funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). Training courses will be offered for free to those on benefits, while access to medical services is also free.

"It's a million miles away from our old premises," he said. "For me the important thing about the move was sending the message that the people who we support deserve better"