The town's first house for homeless teenage mothers and their babies has officially opened.
The Heygate Avenue Project, in Southend, is providing seven temporary beds to would-be mums and parents as they wait for a long-term solution to their housing needs.
Somewhere safe - the house will be home to seven mums and their babies Picture: TERENCE BUNCH
The residents, who have their own rooms and share other facilities, are also taught vital life skills such as budgeting and parenting while in the home.
The initiative is being run by Southend Council and the Shaftesbury Housing Group, a Christian organisation which has been operating for the needy in the town for more than 100 years.
Charles Clayton, the group's chief executive, unveiled a Winnie The Pooh wall mural to mark the centre's launch.
The project was funded with a £129,324 Social housing grant from the Housing Corporation, which was matched by the council.
Published Friday, August 1, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article