Mint links with Charitable Organisations

Bethany House
 – providing women with choice and control over their lives

Bethany House provides supported accommodation for 13 vulnerable young women, who have a wide range of complex support needs.  Bethany provides an access service for young women with limited life skills and a progression service for young people, who have not been able to remain living in the family home or are not able to live in the private rented sector, due to their vulnerability and support needs.  The focus of the service is to provide young people with a safe environment in which to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to live successful lives.

Some stories

1. vI came to Bethany House on Christmas Eve because I wasI enjoyed living there and made good friends.  I got one of the Bethany flats and did a work placement as a florist.  I made up with my mum and moved back to live with her.
2. vI came to Bethany House at 16 as it was time for me to leaveI enjoyed being at Bethany.  I got a Bethany flat, ran in the Great West Run, and got a part time job.  Bethany also helped me trace my dad.  I moved into less supported housing, went into care work and then became a nursing auxiliary.
3. vI came to Bethany because I had nowhere else toI had got involved in drugs and lost everything.  Bethany was a good place to be while I got myself together.  Now I am in independent living.  I have kids and I am working

How you can help:

Since April 2011 the support staff at Bethany House have not been able to make the same provision for residents owing to the drop in budget for supported housing.  They would like to be able to reinstate the provision of a welcome pack for new residents entering their small room in communal housing for the first time.  Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, face cloth, deodorant, tissues are always useful.  If you can help items can be left in the Gabriel House box in the reception area at the Mint.  Inside there is a smaller container marked Bethany.

For more information about the scheme go to www.westcountryha.org.uk .