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Kent homelessness charity Porchlight and Tonbridge & Malling’s largest social housing provider, Russet, are delighted to announce the opening of a brand new supported accommodation project for 16-24 year olds in Tonbridge.
Mayor of Tonbridge, Councillor Brian Luker, cuts the ribbon
New Wharf was purpose built by Russet and comprises of nine self-contained flats overlooking the historic Tonbridge Castle. The accommodation has staff on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist residents in getting their lives back on track with the eventual goal of helping them to move-on to their own independent accommodation.
The official opening ceremony took place on Wednesday 15 June with the Mayor of Tonbridge, Councillor Brian Luker, cutting the ribbon. Mr Luker said: “The project is very exciting. All the residents here need in an arm around them and a little bit of help. They all have something good to offer society and with the right support that will shine through.”
Anne Norris, Chair of the Board at Porchlight said: “This is a great opportunity to use the experience we have gained in supporting young people in Canterbury elsewhere in the county. With the support that our highly committed staff are able to provide I am certain that we can continue turning the lives of young, homeless and vulnerable people into success stories.”
New Wharf is a 9 bed purpose-built project for 16-24 year olds
Abbie, 21, a resident at the project said: “I don’t know where I would have been if it wasn’t for Porchlight and the new project in Tonbridge. I could have carried on sofa-surfing but it couldn’t last forever and I might have ended up on the streets. But at the time that didn’t matter, all I could think of was getting out and away from the situation I was in.
“Now that I have a stable home I have had the opportunity to sort out debts and look into sorting out my employment. I am working hard to make sure I have that in place before I move on from here.”
Abbie, 21, says she doesn't know where she would be without New Wharf
Steve Woodcock, managing director of Russet, said: “This important supported accommodation scheme is the first project of its kind for Russet and we hope it will give vulnerable young people the opportunities and skills they need to build an independent and fulfilling life.
“Considerable time was spent planning the project to provide self contained flats for each resident to allow them maximum privacy while they focus on making positive life changes. We wish New Wharf’s current and future residents the best of luck with their work to turn their lives around and hope they enjoy a healthy and happy future.”
For more information about Russet visit the website (opens in new window), contact Clare-Marie Dobing on 0845 234 0824 or email Clare-Marie
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