Published: 09/09/2010 17:07 -
Updated: 09/09/2010 17:12
Bedford and Kempston MP Richard Fuller will face ‘difficult’ questions when he visits local supported housing charity, Mayday Trust, tomorrow.
Mr Fuller will be quizzed by clients and staff during his visit to the charity’s Bedford Scheme. During his visit, Mr Fuller will also chat with clients about their experiences and find out more about the charity’s work with vulnerable people in his constituency.
Mr Fuller will be quizzed by clients and staff during his visit to the charity’s Bedford Scheme. During his visit, Mr Fuller will also chat with clients about their experiences and find out more about the charity’s work with vulnerable people in his constituency.
Earlier this year Mr Fuller joined a House if Commons Debate about Budget Resolutions & Economic Situation. During the session he commented: "The challenge for the Government, met in the Budget, is to balance our books while rewarding work; to find a way in which our public services can support and raise up the people of this country who need their help, and not-as happens too frequently, despite the best intentions-hold them down. I believe that a key to that is unleashing the power, potential, leadership and creativity of our social enterprises and charities.
He added: "Those charities and social entrepreneurs need the Government as an ally who will enable them to overcome the inertia and intransigence of some arms of the bureaucratic state. We need the leaders of the arms of the bureaucratic state to become champions of unbundling their privileges, not intransigent defenders of their own interests."
Commenting ahead of his visit chief executive Caroline Ward said “It is now more important than ever that Mayday Trust demonstrates the value added to preventative, enabling services for vulnerable people.
"We are keen to explore with Richard Fuller how organisations like ours can play a part in Mr Cameron’s vision for a Big Society. We will also be interested to hear what impact that changes to welfare payments may have on some of the most marginalised members of our community.
She added: “Mayday Trust are passionate about giving vulnerable people a voice. By inviting our local MP to the scheme we hope our clients will have opportunity to ask questions and a chance to be heard.”
Charity bosses will also highlight changes to the Benefits System and the negative impact that this may have on some of the country’s most disadvantaged people.
Before he leaves, Mr Fuller will be presented with a DVD about Mayday Trust. In 2009, to mark its 30th anniversary, the charity commissioned a film about its work. The result is a unique and very powerful documentary told by the people who know best - its clients and staff.
Mayday Trust is a registered charity, which provides temporary supported accommodation and life-skills training for vulnerable adults. Scheme staff work with people from all walks of life; helping them get back on track. Clients include care leavers, those with moderate learning difficulties and recurring mental health problems, ex-offenders, victims of family breakdown and people with a history of substance misuse.
Mayday was established as a charity in 1979 and now runs eight schemes across Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Bedfordshire. The seed was sown in 1976 after Probation Officer Michael Varah and Probation Volunteer Jim Higgins spotted a link between re-offending and homelessness. Soon after, they founded their first ‘hostel’ in Rugby.
While at Mayday, clients meet with their key-worker for regular 1-1 sessions, support and advice on any number of issues including how to fill in forms, get access to healthcare, how to get the correct benefits, training, employment and emotional support.
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