7th September 2009

Tenants reunited in Retford

Friends Reunited becomes Tenants Reunited on Friday 11th September when a housing project brings together former homeless youngsters who have now come off the streets and made better lives for themselves.

The Cobwell Road and Wright Wilson Street projects in Retford are run by Nottingham Community Housing Association to provide support and housing for homeless young people. The aim is to help them access either work or education and then encourage them onto independent living

Since the project opened in June 2000 more than 200 young people have been helped by the Housing with Care and Support arm of NCHA. Over the years many of them have kept in touch, especially from university or the armed forces. Some who have stayed more locally do so because they still value the advice and support from the staff.

One such youngster is Ian Campbell, who is currently employed in the constituency office of Retford MP John Mann. The job has worked out so well, that already another service user from Cobwell Road is working alongside Ian and it is hoped that this may become a regular placement.

Cobwell Road Manager, Vik Marshall. says she hopes the day will demonstrate that there is no stigma to homelessness and there is nothing young people cannot achieve or overcome with the right support.