14 June 2006
Lords Housing Minister Baroness Andrews helped to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a Thames Reach Bondway project last week.
Baroness Andrews cutting the ribbon
The Minister met residents and staff at Lambeth High Street – a project for former rough sleepers with a history of mental health problems – and unveiled a picnic bench to commemorate the anniversary.
While cutting the ribbon Baroness Andrews said: "Before I arrived here today I really wasn't expecting something so beautiful and exceptional.
“There is something here which could work anywhere. The project and its residents are a part of the local community, in an environment that provides them with somewhere to live, and with the support they need.
“Lambeth High Street project really is extraordinary.”
Jeremy Swain, Thames Reach Bondway Chief Executive, said: "We’re delighted to be able to celebrate ten highly successful years of our Lambeth High Street project with the Minister.
Lambeth High Street resident Chris Tomala (left) with Baroness Andrews
“Not only has the project provided a safe haven with highly professional support to some of the most complex and needy rough sleepers – in a way that offers dignity, friendship and hope – it has done so at a tenth of the cost of a bed in a psychiatric unit, which for many of the tenants would be the alternative.
“We could not have done this without the support of the London Borough of Lambeth and a range of other committed supporters who have turned the notion of partnership into a highly effective reality."
Lambeth High Street has 24 residents who stay at the scheme for an average of two years before moving on to more independent accommodation.
They are helped to develop new life skills and an insight into their mental health issues.
Baroness Andrews is part of the ministerial team at the newly formed Department for Communities and Local Government.
