Mary Macleod MP was joined by local residents at an Open Evening she organised with Shepherd’s Bush Housing Group (SBHG) at the soon-to-be-opened supported housing scheme at St Margaret’s House in Chiswick.

St Margaret’s House has been fully refurbished and will provide 26 self-contained flats and support services for young people aged 16-21. The scheme is designed to prepare the young people for independent living and will be run by SBHG.

SBHG Chief Executive, Paul Doe and Senior Team Manager, Deanne Straker explained how the scheme will work and discussed other similar schemes they have managed elsewhere.  Attendees then went on a tour of one of the refurbished studio flats and the other communal facilities.

Mary commented:

“I was delighted to have this opportunity to see how the redevelopment of St Margaret’s House is taking shape. Young people who are homeless or leaving care often miss out on the chance to gain the life skills crucial to preparing for adult life. St Margaret's House will help provide these young people with the support they need and help them build an independent life.”

The evening also provided an opportunity for local residents to discuss how they could get involved with the scheme further, such as by offering work experience, cooking lessons or mentoring. If any local residents would like to find out more please get in touch with SBHG at [email protected]

Mary added:

“By working together as a community to support this scheme, I believe we can make a real difference to these young people's lives and help them take the first steps to building successful, independent and fulfilling lives for themselves.”