Stratford centre for homeless and vulnerable is forging new links with key organisations in town
THE Fred Winter Centre (FWC) in Stratford opened its doors to help homeless and vulnerable people 18 months ago and is pleased to report it’s now establishing partnerships with key organisations in the town like the Royal Shakespeare Company.
There was an official opening last December but in terms of helping those most in need, the FWC now has all of its 15 apartments on the Guild Street sited occupied and continues to offer support service that enable people to re-build their lives and the skills to start again.
At times it’s not been an easy journey. There is a public perception among some that the centre actually provides free food and accommodation only to attract a certain type of person in society get a good night’s sleep with a roof over their heads before going back out on the streets to beg, drink and take drugs all day. It’s a perception that might take some time to dislodge.
Jonathan Ruane is the manager of the Fred Winter Centre and has been more or less since day one. He’s inspired by the people he works with and the progress made with other key players in the town, it almost feels like FWC has turned a corner and finally getting some recognition for the work it does.
“We have to be something for everyone and we have to try and be available to different types of client. There was clearly a problem a problem in Stratford and a real need for help which is why the centre was built. These problems have now been brought to light and we are here to address these. We are coming up to 18 months and we are new well established and creating partner organisations like the link we have with the RSC and it led to us being involved with At The Forest’s Edge during the Great Big Green Week. It was the RSC that reached out to us and now other organisations are aware of FWC and we’re very proud of that because it feels our role and services are being recognised in the community,” said Jonathan.
The FWC is also being regularly visited by local authorities who want to see how the operation is run and how it provides help for people who have nowhere else to turn.
“We now see quite a few different local authorities visiting us to learn firsthand how we operate. Birmingham, Warwick and Luton have all visited because what we have here is unique because there’s nothing that quite matches this model in the UK and they’re blown away by what we have here. FWC because is a multi-agency hub and there was always a need for a place like this in Stratford. We are also forging partnerships with the WI, Rotary and the Lions Club,” Jonathan said.
Fundamental to the whole thing is the work carried out with the clients which has been well documented previously in the Herald and will continue until it’s felt that someone can move out of the centre and perhaps find their own accommodation and start the job search.
FWC is not a hostel and a resident can stay there for up to two years until they’re tenancy ready and will then hopefully get their own long-term accommodation but it’s the action of putting building blocks into place which it’s hoped will help people start to rebuild their lives.
Key partners include Spring Housing, Orbit, CGL, Springfield Mind, Foodbank in addition, P3, Parenting Project, Crisis and Samaritans.
FWC will make key appointments at a medical centre for clients and there are NHS nurses available for physical and mental consultations. In addition, Citizens Advice is at the centre every Friday from 9.30am to 11am.
This summer will see the first Stratford service community fair on 8th August at the FWC and it’s understood the mayor, Kate Rolfe, will also attend the event. Jonathan says it’s meant to be like an open day and Change, Grow, Live, Spring Housing, Mind, Orbit and Foodbank will be present.
Even if the doubts linger in some quarters about the need for a place like the FWC in a top tourist attraction like Stratford and the cost of the operation and who’s footing the bill, Jonathan said FWC is helping to change lives and give people a second chance and that’s due in no small part to the dedication of the people who work there, the new-found partnerships being made and the generosity of locals.
“I have an incredible job. There are challenges and no two days are ever the same but it is incredibly rewarding and a real privilege to serve the people of Stratford,” he said.
To make contact with centre - hello@fredwintercentre.org.uk
