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Charity in bid to blitz problems across estate
Urgent issue: Clayton Brook Community House say urgent action needs to be taken on homelessness
A charity is hoping to launch a blitz on long-term health, education and homelessness. problems.
Bosses at Clayton Brook Community House say more than a third of people in Clayton Brook, are unemployed, with a third of people between the ages of 18 and 24 having no qualifications.
The charity moved to a new larger base on Tunley Holme last month to cope with an increased demand for its services.
Organisers now have aspirations for a new homeless centre to help with chronic problems with young people who have nowhere to stay.
Last year the centre had visits from more than 6,000 people needing help with issues including unemployment, benefits, and health problems.
Development co-ordinator Donna Hussain said the charity raised much of its own money, including basic running costs of £12,000 a year.
Donna, who has lived in Clayton Brook for 30 years, said: “We have got a lot of people who are on long-term sick in the area and we are actually in the top 10 per cent of deprived areas in the country.
“But because we are part of Chorley Borough we don’t actually qualify for a lot of funding.
“We are trying to raise health levels and tell people that even if they don’t have qualifications, they have got different skills they can use to contribute to the centre.”
The charity offers mediation for families and practical help, as well as holding community activities.
On Friday, it held an Open Mic night.
Donna said: “At the moment we have got people sleeping on the park. The problem is we don’t have resources in the area, so people have to be homed outside the area.
“Once that happens, we can’t support them and they can lose touch with family and friends, which means they often come back. It’s a circle.
“We want to work with all that and see how we can build and develop in the area.
“Clayton Brook has had so much negativity in the past and as funding is so tight we’re saying let’s do it ourselves and if we get any help externally, that’s a bonus.”
If you want to volunteer or to inquire about events, contact the charity on 01772 698074.
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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