College to be set up in city hostel to help the homeless
NEW SKILLS WILL SUPPORT PEOPLE INTO WORK, HELP REBUILD LIVES
A COLLEGE is to be set up in the Dawn Centre to try to help Leicester’s homeless learn the skills they need to get away from life on the streets.
The St Mungo’s Recovery College, in London, has been recruited to work in the Conduit Street hostel.
It will aim to support people into work, help to rebuild their lives and avoid repeat homelessness.
St Mungo’s is working with Leicester City Council, businesses and the community to offer courses.
It will work with people with complex needs, as well as those who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of it.
Recovery College students will be taught skills to live independently, with courses to include literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
There will also be arts, confidencebuilding, health and wellbeing classes, and work placements.
Howard Sinclair, chief executive of St Mungo’s, said: “We wanted to work in Leicester because we believe the Recovery College is complementary to the services already on offer in the city and we know that there is a high level of commitment among local partners to addressing homelessness.
“That shared vision and values are important to us.
“Some people become homeless after losing their job, or suffering a bereavement or a relationship breakdown. Others have been homeless for long periods and may never have worked.
“We will work closely with the council, services and employers to help vulnerable people build on their existing skills, so that they can avoid repeated homelessness.
“Together, we can make a difference.”
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “It is great news for Leicester that St Mungo’s has chosen to open its first new Recovery College here, and also a reflection on the city’s commitment to address homelessness.
“We are very proud of the Dawn Centre, which offers a lifeline for hundreds of people every year. “Locating the Recovery College within it will make it easy for people to access the education and vital skills training they need, gain self-esteem and take that first step into employment.”
A St Mungo’s client said: “Without the Recovery College, I would not be where I am today.
“Last year, employment was the last thing on my mind but I’ve gained strength and it’s helped me to do stuff I never thought I’d do and given me a sense of achievement and fulfilment. It’s been a godsend.” The St Mungo’s Recovery College Leicester will run from the Dawn Centre, which offers temporary accommodation and support to homeless people.
It will run within existing services, so that programmes are easily accessible. The service aims to help 225 people into work over a period of five years.
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We will work to help people build on existing skills, so they can avoid repeated homelessness
Howard Sinclair