MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, George Eustice recently accepted an invitation from Coastline Housing to visit its New Connection centre and offered his support for the work of the homeless charity.

The visit was a fact-finding mission for Mr Eustice, who toured the centre in Bassett Road, Camborne, meeting staff and clients.

 

The New Connection, a division of Coastline Housing, helps homeless people back into accommodation and work. It runs a day centre where people can receive food, access to medical care and general advice and support.

 

The organisation also offers crisis accommodation, with 10 beds providing emergency shelter for individuals for up to three weeks. In addition to this, during the recent cold spell, The New Connection, along with other agencies throughout the county, has been offering Cold Weather Provision. This service, that has provided an extra six beds for homeless people, ensures that no one is forced to sleep rough in freezing conditions.

 

Following on from emergency accommodation provision, the organisation assists people with medical and mental health issues, and offers support for those with drug and alcohol problems, helping them back into accommodation via the route of supported housing.

 

Brian Ainsley, Director of Support Services at The New Connection stressed that Cornwall Council’s proposed cuts to the Supporting People budget would have a major impact on their work. “Supporting People funding accounts for around one third of our annual running costs. Without this money, we would simply be unable to continue to staff this vital service that helps some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”