08 Apr MP Tours Southend’s Leading Homeless Charity
Newly appointed MP for Southend West, Anna Firth, today visited HARP, Southend’s leading homelessness charity, to tour the charity’s services and find out more about the work they do to support local people experiencing homelessness.
Ms Firth visited HARP’s Bradbury Day Centre, which provides emergency services such as breakfast, food packs, washing facilities, specialist support and advice and access to support and accommodation.
HARP currently have 226 beds to help support people facing homelessness. With the support of the local community, HARP plan to open a new accommodation, Bluebird, later this year which will enable the charity to support even more people.
On her tour, Anna Firth MP got to see first-hand the range of services offered at HARP, including the training room that gives people the chance to learn new life skills and build up their confidence through a range of courses. Ms Firth was also able to see first-hand HARP’s 18 bed emergency night shelter, Heath House, and their 20-bed single gender accommodation, White Heather House.
Anna Firth MP said: “I am amazed by everything I have seen here and how you help local people in the community. I am 100% supportive of what you are doing here, and I am excited to assist you further in everything you are doing.”
Jackie Bliss, HARP’s CEO said: “I was delighted to take Anna Firth MP on a tour of HARP’s services today, and was pleased and encouraged to see how engaged she was with the cause of homelessness in Southend. We are grateful for the support she has promised us in our continued mission towards ending the need for rough sleeping, and homelessness generally, in the City.”
