Mobile phones keep former homeless young people connected
published on 2 Jun 2020
Young people living in Salvation Army supported housing in Cardiff after being made homeless have been provided with mobile phones to help them keep in touch with family and friends thanks to a generous donation from one of the city’s biggest employers.
The gift of £1,000 from Admiral has also meant young people living at centres managed by The Salvation Army now have access to new books, games, and art materials to help them stay active.
“Across Cardiff, we have 106 specialist places for young people in our supported accommodation and independent living flats and one of the very real challenges they are facing during lockdown is boredom”, said Yvonne Connolly who heads up The Salvation Army’s homelessness support unit for Wales and the South West Country.
“With all schools and colleges shut and extra-curricular activities closed many are also without a television, internet access, mobile phones and entertainment like games consoles or books.
“People who are homeless or rough sleeping that we work with also need mobile phones to stay connected and this very kind donation from Admiral will help us to support people who are feeling vulnerable and isolated from their families and the outside world during lockdown”
This kind donation from Admiral will help us support people who are feeling vulnerable and isolated from their families and the outside world during lockdown.
Cristina Nestares, UK Insurance CEO, Admiral Group said:
“Supporting our communities has become more important than ever during this crisis, and we’re pleased to be able to support the young people being helped by The Salvation Army through our Covid-19 support fund. We hope the donation will make a difference to those who are most in need at this difficult time.”
In Cardiff, The Salvation Army operates a wide range of services to support people out of homelessness, including the Bus Project and the Crichton House outreach service.
The Northlands Lifehouse on North Road and Tŷ Diogel Lifehouse on Cowbridge Road provide accommodation and support for young people who have been homeless.
The Tŷ Gobaith Lifehouse on Callaghan Square is a supported accommodation centre for adults who have been homeless.
The Salvation Army also runs an innovative Housing First programme in the city and manages the Cardiff Young Person’s Supported Accommodation Partnership for Cardiff Council.
