November 13, 2018
In October, East Street Mews team were really pleased to welcome some young people from 1625 Independent People* who have been affected by homelessness along to our Bedminster site to meet BBC Points West reporter Dave Harvey (with cameraman Chris), just as pre-construction work was beginning.
With everybody decked out in hard hats, fluorescent jackets and safety boots, the BBC team filmed as the young people were given a tour of the building while discussing their experiences of homelessness, the impact of poor-quality housing and their hopes and plans for the future.
Marcus Piet (Build Manager Willmott Dixon) and David Walton (Housing Director DHI) gave the tour of the dilapidated building and talked to the young people about East Street Mews and its aims. Nick Mills of Lancer Scott chatted about being involved in the project, while more of our local partners; Solum Surveying and ACES Electrical worked away in the background before construction begins.
The site visit really helped to bring the project to life. Not only was it great to see work beginning on site as we await planning approval, but meeting these young people reinforced to the team of volunteers just how important affordable, reliable housing is in building a brighter future.
Visiting the building site allowed the young people to understand the space available and to make further suggestions on what will work best to create a sense of home, with discussions ranging from the importance of personal space, managing the properties, to preferred paint colours!
Next, we will be holding a workshop to discuss some of the ideas generated on the day with a variety of stakeholders and young people, particularly around the management of the apartments.
We are also looking forward to the Points West film being aired…watch this space!
The team working on East Street Mews has the opportunity to be involved in creating housing that will have a lasting impact on young people’s lives in Bristol. Can you do anything to help?
We are urgently looking for assistance in roofing and joinery. Contact us on info@eaststreetmews.co.uk.
This year 86,000 young people in the UK will become homeless. In fact, young people are three times more likely to experience homelessness than the rest of the population.
East Street Mews brings together a team of local businesses, charities and experts working for free to create vital housing for young homeless people in Bristol.
*1625IP, is a well established local charity with over 30 years experience in tackling youth homelessness. It provides a wide range of services and support to young people who are at risk of, or have experienced homelessness in the city.