MP visit highlights issues faced by service users

A centre which provides accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness in St Helens, Salisbury House, welcomed Conor McGinn MP for St Helens North on Friday 9th March. The visit highlighted to the local MP the issues faced by the services users at The Salvation Army run centre.

The MP spent time meeting staff and service users, talking to them about their experiences and concerns. He received a tour of the centre and heard about the programmes offered, as well as the positive outcomes.

Conor McGinn MP (Labour, St Helens North) said: “I was delighted to meet service users and staff at The Salvation Army's Salisbury House Lifehouse. Homelessness is a growing and complex issue and I learned much from today's visit and discussions.

“Here in St Helens we have a strong partnership between the voluntary sector, churches and the Local Authority that is a great help in meeting the pressing challenge of rough sleeping. However, I was concerned to learn that at a national level the future of supported housing sector needs greater assurances from government in order to be placed on a secure footing for the future. I am happy to raise this issue in Parliament when the opportunity arises.”

Salisbury House Lifehouse provides accommodation and support to up to 56 service users at a time and this will increase from April to 64.

Rob Long, regional manager for The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services, said: “It was great to host our local MP as it was a good opportunity to highlight to him the work we’re doing at Salisbury House, which is helping to transform the lives of service users. We believe that providing a bed alone doesn’t always solve the cycle of homelessness so work hard to support our service users, helping them to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. 

“We are grateful to Conor for pledging to raise the issue of supported housing in Parliament.”