Thorndale Lifehouse

Thorndale Lifehouse has 27 self-contained, furnished flats, consisting of 16 flats and 4 single rooms for females who share lounge, bathroom and kitchen.  

In partnership with North Belfast Housing, we also offer a further 11 self-contained furnished flats on the same site. 

We provide 24 hour accommodation for families and single women who find themselves in need of short term accommodation.

Staff will support clients to work closely with the local housing executive to secure social housing.  Timescales can vary from 6 months to max. 2 years. 

Thorndale Life house aims to deliver a high quality programme of support which promotes clients choice and control. 

Support will be given to address individual needs, enabling clients to achieve positive life changes and ultimately empower them to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Clients referred to Thorndale Life house can include any of the below. All referrals must be made via the homeless support unit within the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Great Victoria street, Belfast, who can be reached on 03448920900.

• Single women (aged 16 years plus)
• Pregnant women
• Families (single parents, couples, guardians and their children)

Referrals will be accepted for those who are entitled to benefits ie housing benefit and who have FDA (Full Duty Applicancy). 

Should English not be a clients primary language our staff our skilled at using Big Word, an interpreting service designed to communicate with those who have limited or no English in order to meet their support needs. 

Thorndale Lifehouse is situated close to the city centre with ease of access to local shops and services including, schools,  GP, hospital and dentists. All flats are self-contained, providing a cooker, washing machine and fridge freezer Basic inventory items are also provided.

Our Lifehouse  provides accommodation for

• Four single women. Each occupant has their own bedroom with a shared bathroom, living room and kitchen
• Six 1-bedroom flats
• Eighteen 2-bedroom flats
• Three 3-bedroom flats
• One 4-bedroom flat

Within the Lifehouse each flat has access to Wi-fi as do all communal areas. Residents have access to a large communal family room, Den (family playroom) and a communal hub with computer facilities.

There is also a playgroup onsite which caters for preschool children from 3 years of age. All facilities have access to the courtyard with a childrens play area. Recycling facilities are provided.

Support is offered in relation to:

• Finances, debt and arrears, access to benefits, rent management, housing, home management, education, training and employment.
• Mental health issues, including stress and anxiety, self-harm, and suicide awareness.
• Independent living, household management, budgeting, cooking, parenting skills, behaviour management.
• Relationships, including advice on family relationships and how to deal with domestic violence.
• Spiritual programme, including prayers, reflections, chaplaincy support, walking club, teddy tunes, and a coffee morning.
• Social programmes, including homework clubs, tots & toddlers, craft groups, seasonal programmes, day trips, children's activities, family get-togethers, and client involvement groups.

Thorndale life house has good support networks in the community which enable referrals to be made in line with the clients' individual needs. Onsite fortnightly housing support clinic is provided by our local housing officer.

These services aim to promote the necessary skills to support our clients to live independently, which in turn promotes the overall wellbeing of each individual family member.