John Battle MP unveils ‘Richard Carr-Gomm House’
Richard Carr-Gomm House, which will help socially excluded and vulnerable families access support services, was officially opened on Thursday 18th February. The Rt Hon John Battle MP opened the centre, which will provide care for vulnerable families across Leeds, in Kirkstall.
The newly renovated building, which will serve the entire city of Leeds, will be run by Carr-Gomm and will offer a range of drop-in services for vulnerable people, offering them practical and emotional support. These include housing related support, help claiming benefit entitlements and a confidential sexual health advice service.
John Battle MP said: “I welcome the launch of this new service and I am delighted to be attending the opening ceremony today. Providing vulnerable families access to health services, education, jobs and housing is vital if we are to reduce homelessness, lift people out of poverty and improve their quality of life.
“This project will make a positive difference to the lives of many Leeds residents who are most at risk. I wish Richard Carr-Gomm House every success.”
Future plans for the centre include the provision of domestic abuse support groups, along with advice on building healthy, positive relationships. Other groups will be developed as the project grows and service users will have active input on which services they want to see offered.
Christine Briggs, local service manager with Carr-Gomm said: “All of the families we support have multiple needs. By bringing services under one roof we can address these needs quickly and effectively. Our project workers provide a link between families and statutory agencies which is vital if families are to access the services they need and are entitled to.”
Richard Carr-Gomm House will be shared with CHIVA, a service for Children in Vulnerable Accommodation. It is named in memory of the founder of Carr-Gomm, who passed away in 2008. Richard Carr-Gomm was a visionary man who bridged the gap between vulnerable people and policy makers.
Gary Lashko, chief executive, Carr-Gomm said: "Over the years the Leeds Floating Support Service has helped hundreds of families in need to overcome problems and help them to work towards healthier lives and strengthen family relationships. Richard Carr-Gomm House will provide a safe environment for people to receive help and support to improve their lives."
