Birthday Celebrations for Hennis Project

4/7/2010

It was smiles all round as citizens of Exeter came together to celebrate the second anniversary of the opening of the Hennis Project.

It was smiles all round as citizens of Exeter came together to celebrate the second anniversary of the opening of the Hennis Project. 

The anniversary coincided with the National Housing Federation’s supported housing month held during March to raise the profile of supported housing.

The Hennis Project is home to 18 young people aged between 16 and 24 who have a high level of support need, ranging from help finding employment through to learning how to cook and budget for themselves.  The project, which was opened in May 2008 by Cllr Paul Smith, currently benefits from government funding, but this is under threat. 

Sharron Sandell, project manager, said, “The event was a great way to tell people all about the service we provide, we were delighted with the support we received from other local agencies.  We know that we provide a very valuable service, as research shows that every pound spent on projects like this saves other public services £2.12.”

The birthday party was given a helping hand by staff and volunteers from the
neighbouring St Sidwell’s Community Centre who handed out tea, coffee and cake to guests.

Jason McNamara, centre manager at St Sidwell’s, said, “We recognise the importance of services such as the Hennis Project. It has been great to witness the progress made by some of the young people at the project over the last 2 years. We were really pleased to be able to help them celebrate the second anniversary.”

Elaine Crooke, head of housing services, added, “Supported housing has lost the ring fence it used to have around funding and we all know that there will be tough public spending decisions ahead.  The Hennis Project provides a vital support to young people in the city of Exeter, so it is important we shout about the great work we do.  With our help, these young people are able to reach their full potential and enjoy independent and fulfilled lives.   It would be a terrible shame if that was taken away from them.”