A Winchester based charity has been highly commended at Homeless Link’s annual excellence awards.

Local homelessness charity Trinity Winchester was highly commended in the ‘Home Safe’ category at the awards, which celebrate the best of the homelessness and supported housing sector, with the ‘Home Safe’ award recognising an organisation that creates high quality, affordable accommodation options for people experiencing homelessness, enabling them to have the right to open and close their own front door and feel safe and secure in their own accommodation.

A nine strong judging panel, with expertise drawn from across the housing and health sectors, commended Trinity Winchester for its work in developing UnderOneRoof@Trinity; 12 purpose-built ensuite ‘flatlets’ behind the Trinity Winchester day centre.

Residents at UnderOneRoof@Trinity – now named Bradbury View – enjoy their own kitchenettes as well as a shared lounge and full kitchen, with residents given a real say in how communal spaces are managed. A range of therapies and other support are also available, with regular communal meals.

Steve’s story
Steve moved into UnderOneRoof@Trinity after being offered emergency accommodation during the pandemic. He had struggled to maintain previous tenancies, often rough sleeping as a consequence.

During one moment with his support worker, Steve was asked about what his interests are. He said he loves being outdoors and would like to learn how to garden. He is now the proud owner of several tomato plants and a strawberry plant and has taken on responsibility of maintaining the lawn and the patio. Steve says how calming it is to be in the garden, and it helps him to manage the cravings of addiction.

During his time at UnderOneRoof@Trinity, Steve has greatly reduced his drug use and is looking to gain new skills to become more independent.

Sue McKenna, CEO at Trinity Winchester said: “This is tremendous recognition for our fantastic project. Bradbury View has joined Trinity’s Alleyne House in offering new homes for people most in need in Winchester. We are delighted to receive this award”.

Rick Henderson, CEO at Homeless Link, the national membership charity for frontline homelessness organisations, said: “As we leave the pandemic behind, it’s important homelessness organisations innovate to find longer-term solutions for the people they housed. In giving people their own private homes, as well as co-produced group spaces, the UnderOneRoof@Trinity project encapsulates everything Home Safe stands for.

“It acted quickly to make sure people didn’t return to the streets, while also making sure the space was co-produced by residents and using innovative funding approaches to help achieve this goal. UnderOneRoof@Trinity has given people the stability and security to rebuild their lives, richly earning its commendation in the Home Safe award.