MP meets Liverpool women rebuilding lives after abuse and addiction

 Alzberta Cermakova (resident), Debbie Currie (resident), Malcolm Page, Angela Eagle MP, Christine Owen (resident), Stephanie Phillips, Robert Long (Acting Regional Manager), Captain Jonathan Hamilton (chaplain)

The Shadow leader of the House of Commons spoke to women in Liverpool impacted by homelessness, domestic abuse and addiction and heard how they were being supported to rebuild their lives.

 

Residents at The Salvation Army’s Ann Fowler House Lifehouse, Fraser Street, Liverpool, met with Angela Eagle MP today. They shared with her their experiences of homelessness and how abusive relationships and addiction had affected their lives.

The Lifehouse, which is a Salvation Army residential centre for homeless women, offers more than a safe, secure home for 38 women, it offers practical support through training in such basics as literacy, cooking, computer skills, confidence and self-esteem building, as well as employment skills as part of a wider resettlement programme.

Project workers assist residents in working through problems and enhancing their independent living skills, in order for them to move on to more appropriate, permanent accommodation. In association with specialist agencies, Ann Fowler House also facilitates programmes to help women who have been abused or worked in the sex trade.

Support workers aim to assist residents in working through problems and enhancing their independent living skills, in order for them to move on to more appropriate, permanent accommodation. In association with specialist agencies, Ann Fowler House also facilitates programmes to help women who have been abused or worked in the sex trade.   Angela Eagle MP said: ‘The Salvation Army provides a safe space to some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable women, offering them an opportunity not just to find sanctuary after their lives have been impacted by addiction or abuse, but equipping and empowering them to rebuild their lives and move on.’

Liverpool Homelessness Services Manager Stephanie Phillips said: ‘In welcoming Angela to our Lifehouse, we hope she has been able to see for herself the challenges women face when fleeing domestic violence or facing addictions. We hope that meeting our residents – who are being empowered as they regain control of and rebuild their lives – has inspired her in her work as the Government considers the impact alcohol makes on individuals and communities.

‘The Salvation Army works to support some of the most vulnerable people in every community, and at Ann Fowler House we want to ensure that the women we meet our empowered to reach their God-given potential and find their way in life.