A CAMBUSLANG-based project that gives support to homeless people received a Royal seal of approval last week.
HRH The Princess Royal met service-users and employees at the Eva Burrows 1st Stop Project, in Halfway.
The project is managed by the Salvation Army for South Lanarkshire Council and provides short term accommodation and support for homeless adults from Cambuslang, Rutherglen and Halfway.
The service offers accommodation and support to people who can live there for up to 56 days, while trying to find more permanent accommodation.
During this time staff work with each person to gain the necessary skills that will help them become established in their own homes or supported accommodation as well as providing opportunities for individuals to learn new skills that will lead to greater independence.
South Lanarkshire Council’s homelessness manager Val Holtom said: “The project offers an invaluable service, providing a stepping stone from homelessness to independent living, and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to show The Princess Royal what a vital difference it can make to people’s lives.”
The Eva Burrows 1st Stop Project also shares the premises with the Eva Burrows Day Centre for older people, which has allowed for close collaboration to the benefit of both groups.
The older people project has been open for 11 years and, during that time, has offered care and support to 413 families, creating a ‘home from home’ that aims to help older people stay active and build friendships with each other.
The Princess Royal’s visit coincides with more than a decade of working between South Lanarkshire Council and The Salvation Army on the 1st Stop Project. Annette Finnan, head of area services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The council, in partnership with the Salvation Army, provides much needed temporary accommodation and support to homeless households in a positive setting.
“The project has also enabled residents to develop new skills and to become involved in activities which benefit homelessness and the local community.”
Major Russell Wyles, divisional leader of the Salvation Army in the West of Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic day for the community, project and centre itself which recognises the work that goes on and support available.
“The visit afforded us an exciting opportunity to demonstrate our belief of changing people’s lives within communities and enhances the already strong ties we have with the council and residents of the local area.”
