Givan officially reopens accommodation at North West Methodist Mission hostel

Date published: 30 November 2016

Topics:

Communities Minister, Paul Givan MLA, has today formally re-opened homelessness accommodation in Londonderry that has recently undergone major refurbishment.

The North West Methodist Mission Hostel, provides temporary accommodation for 47 men. Their six move-on flats are designed to offer clients the support and training needed to develop and enhance independent living skills enabling them to secure long term tenancies within the local community.  The flats have recently undergone major refurbishments including new fitted kitchens, new furniture and the installation of mains gas.

Speaking at the official reopening today, at the start of Homelessness Awareness Week, Minister Givan said: “The North West Methodist Mission has been providing homeless services in Londonderry for over 80 years.  It is a great pleasure to be in the city today to conduct the official opening of these impressive flats, marking another chapter in the Mission’s dedicated work providing support to those experiencing homelessness.

“I have seen at first hand the homely and friendly atmosphere provided by Reverend Murray and his team in which the dignity and respect of the individual is paramount.  I also applaud Apex for taking this refurbishment work forward.  This work, combined with the ongoing funding provided through my Department’s Supporting People Programme, will ensure that the Mission is able to continue providing essential services to those in need.”

Rev. Peter Murray, Chairman of North West Methodist Mission performed the dedication and expressed his thanks to everyone involved saying: “I am delighted to dedicate our newly refurbished training and move on accommodation which plays a vital part in our resettlement programme.  We are indebted to our partner Apex Housing Association and the contractors who carried out the work.  I have no doubt the accommodation alongside the expertise, care and compassion of our staff will continue to help the clients we serve secure long-term accommodation.”

Gerry Kelly, Chief Executive of Apex Housing Association, who are the landlord of the North West Methodist Mission Hostel said: “The ongoing partnership working between North West Methodist Mission and Apex at the Crawford Square hostel is an excellent example of two charitable organisations coming together to provide a safe and supportive environment for the more vulnerable members of society. We are very appreciative of the committed and caring service provided by the Mission staff towards those living in the scheme.”

Liam Milligan, Mission Director with North West Methodist Mission added: “It is timely that at the beginning of Homelessness Awareness Week we are able to demonstrate the partnership working and services that exist in our City to assist our most vulnerable citizens. The commitment and dedication of the management team and all our staff in providing a professional and compassionate approach to supporting our clients is to be commended.”

Notes to editors: 

  1. North West Methodist Mission currently provide temporary accommodation for 47 men at their premises in Crawford Square.  The hostel receives over £600,000 through Supporting People programme to provide housing related support to 41 men in the hostel and 6 men on site independent training/move on flats
  2. The refurbishment of the move-on flats was funded by Apex Housing Association – the landlord of the North West Methodist Mission hostel
  3. NWMM has been providing services to Homeless Men in the City for 80 years and prides itself on helping service users help themselves. The organisation provides temporary accommodation, training & reskilling, advocacy, resettlement and tenancy support. They also provide outreach work and a Drop In facility for ex residents who have found that roof over their heads they can once again call their own home
  4. For media enquiries please contact the DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3505 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk.  For out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned
  5. Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

Share this page

Back to top