Press releases 2007

A moment of madness for Sarum House in Andover

11th May 2007

Things are looking rosy for residents at one of Alabaré Christian Care Centres’ Andover projects.

The garden at Sarum House has been totally transformed from a weed ridden mess to something Charlie Dimmock would be proud of, thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Andover Baptist Church (ABC). 

The team of ten from ABC took on the challenge as part of their M.A.D. (Make A Difference) Month of March, where members of the Church give up their spare time to help make a difference in the local community.

Sarum House is a 24 hour supported hostel for young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or facing homelessness.  It provides low to intensive housing related support for 18 young people who have a variety of complex needs, including those leaving custodial sentences.

The garden was overgrown and in need of a makeover and they approached ABC for some help.  Throughout March and part of April, the team of ABC volunteers worked every Saturday daytime and Tuesday evening clearing the garden and re-designing it for the young people who live there.

They were also supported by the local business community who made generous donations and offered discounts.

Local church goers also made generous donations of plants and flowers.

Audrey Poole, a Support Workers at Sarum House said “We’re all delighted with the new garden and can’t thank the Andover Baptist Church enough for their hard work, it has made such a difference.  We also want to thank the local business community for their support and generosity.”

She added “Our residents have been making great use of their new garden, and with summer just around the corner, the timing couldn’t have been better!”

-Ends-

For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.

Sarum House is a hostel for young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or facing homelessness.  It provides low to intensive housing related support for 18 young people who have a variety of complex needs, including those leaving custodial sentences.  The project is staffed 24 hours a day.  All residents are allocated their own key worker who helps them devise an agreed support plan based on their needs.  Where necessary we signpost them to external agencies and provide life skills training.  Sarum House is part of the Test Valley Foyer.

www.testvalleyfoyer.hampshire.org.uk

http://www.andoverbaptist.org.uk