02.06.08 - Official opening of the Hennis Project

Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Smith, did the honours recently and officially opened the Hennis Project at St Sidwells Court in Exeter.

The Hennis Project, is a supported housing project managed by Magna Housing Association (MHA), located in the centre of Exeter. Magna aims to empower people and treat them properly. By providing much needed supported accommodation and training opportunities for homeless young people between the ages of 16 – 21 year olds, it does just that.

The event publicised the remodelling of all the facilities on site and also the renaming from St Sidwells to the Hennis Project, which was a name chosen by residents.

MHA’s Support Services Manager, Carey Chant, said, “The day went exceptionally well leaving the Lord Mayor and representatives from local agencies impressed with the project. We received some really good feedback which is testament to the devoted work of the team of staff at Hennis and the positive attitude of the residents.

The Hennis Project offers support 24 hours a day and unlike other schemes in the area it also provides two emergency crash bed spaces.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Smith, was really impressed with everything he saw during the event, “My year is dedicated to the recognition and development of opportunities for young people. Homelessness is sad for anyone, but for young people it is particularly sad. This is a great opportunity for people in this city to get on the ladder and avoid some of the ‘snakes’!”

NOTES:

The Hennis Project provides independent living accommodation for 16 – 25 year olds in Exeter. Sixteen self-contained flats are available as well as two ‘crash beds’. The ‘crash beds’ have been provided following consultation with Exeter City Council and provide emergency accommodation. The project is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff at Magna Housing Association and at the Hennis Project feel that this level of support and this environment can go a long way to help young people feel secure, promote their confidence and help them achieve independence.

Renaming of the project came following a consultation with residents. They wanted a new name to go with the new look. They decided on Hennis after noticing a plaque at the entrance to St Sidwells which commemorated the life of Dr Hennis, who gained a reputation for his work with the poor during the cholera epidemic of 1832.

Last updated 02.06.08