MP visits a centre supporting people experiencing homelessness

A centre for people experiencing homelessness in Blackburn received a visit from Blackburn MP Kate Hollern on Friday 17th June.

Labour MP, Kate Hollern, visited The Salvation Army’s Bramwell House Lifehouse which provides support and accommodation for up to 55 men and women experiencing homelessness.  

Colin Mottershead, manager at Bramwell House Lifehouse gave Ms Hollern a tour of the service and said: “We were delighted to welcome MP Kate Hollern to see first-hand the service we provide here. Having her support is a great thing and it means a lot to us that she was able to give up her time to meet staff and service users here.

“We greatly appreciated the opportunity to raise some of the key issues affecting our service users and it was great to be able to share our work with someone who may be able to influence future policy.”

Kate Hollern, MP was introduced to service users, support workers and witnessed some of the training offered which prepares residents for independent living. She said: “I’ve been impressed at the sense of community here at Bramwell House. It clearly offers more than just a bed for residents. The staff are incredible and I was touched by how caring and supportive they are towards residents.”

Colin also spoke about the challenges faced by residents and the unique approach at The Salvation Army which centres on working with individuals to understand their unique set of needs.  As a result it is believed that successful outcomes can be achieved. He added:  “At Bramwell House we’re all about transformation and second chances. However, this is not easy to achieve and there are a number of hurdles to overcome. We are determined to work with our service users to help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be.”

The visit came a day after the tragic death of Ms Hollern’s colleague, fellow Labour MP Jo Cox. Ms Hollern said: “I was asked on social media if I’d be cancelling all my commitments but I decided not to clear my diary because Jo would have wanted me to carry on helping my constituents. She was an incredible person who will be sorely missed by her family, friends and colleagues.”

The Salvation Army's Homelessness Services Unit provides accommodation for 3200 people experiencing homelessness across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. 

The Salvation Army has been supporting people for 150 years, and continues to transform lives today.