Mill Bank Wellbeing Centre has marked 30 years of supporting for homeless families in crisis.
The service, provided by Places for People, helps families overcome the barriers to living life in the community, including debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, domestic violence, seeking refuge, and child services involvement.
Mill Bank has supported and worked with approximately 5,000 families over the past three decades, guiding them towards a positive and secure future.
Throughout its history, Mill Bank has evolved to meet the changing needs of its families. The centre expanded its services, adding The ARC – a garden office that provides a private space for customers to receive counselling, art therapy, and support. It also opened its doors to local agencies, offering them free space to provide their services promptly and efficiently, avoiding long waiting lists for vulnerable families.
Read more: New Preston ‘warm bank’ to help people in need this winter
Becky Mayman, Services Manager at Mill Bank, said: “Mill Bank is a very special place and means so much to so many people.
“Over the 30 years, things have changed somewhat, but that sense of community remains the same. The team has our families at the heart of everything we do, always striving to make things better for the families we support.”
This service is one of 30 nationwide services from Places for People that looks to support people through difficulties including those who are at risk of homelessness.
Recent research by Homewards suggests that 300,000 people are currently homeless, half of who are children. National Housing Federation stats show that were it not for supported housing schemes, such as the Mill Bank Wellbeing Centre, 41,000 more people would be homeless, and a further 30,000 people at risk.
Furthermore, recent data from The Department of Health and Social Care predicts that the demand for supported homes in England will increase by 125,000 by 2030.
Becky continued: “Homelessness is devastating and isolating. By having a homeless provision like Mill Bank, families are offered a safe haven in crisis, and not only do we support them with finding a permanent home, we provide the confidence and skills that enable them to manage a household.”
To mark the 30-year anniversary the scheme hosted a celebration event at the centre. Bringing together current and former users of the service, local agencies, and the Mayor of Preston, Yakub Patel, the event celebrated and reflected on the support Mill Bank has provided the local community with over the years.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines