Councillors impressed by Greyfriars work
Last updated | 02/04/2008
The excellent work of staff at city centre hostel for Perth’s homeless has been demonstrated to senior councillors during a tour of the facility.
During an extended visit to Greyfriars House by Councillors Peter Barrett and Alasdair Wylie, Convenor and Vice Convenor of the Council’s Housing and Health Committee, they saw at first hand the significant progress, service developments and enhancements which are the result of investment and changes by the Council.
Councillor Barrett said: “I was tremendously impressed by the energy enthusiasm and commitment of the Greyfriars team. The first things to strike you are the pleasant atmosphere, the high level of staff moral and the improved fabric of the building. The building is brighter, and cleaner. The staff are just bubbling with enthusiasm to explain how the work they are doing is making a huge difference to the lives of seriously vulnerable people in Perth and Kinross. They work extremely hard to ensure that Greyfriars is a homely, welcoming, supportive and secure place for people to be.”
Work to improve the hostel has been carried out over the last six months following an inspection by Communities Scotland which was critical of the standard of accommodation and the on-site support services for vulnerable clients.
Since the inspection many improvements have been made, including refurbishment of all kitchens and bathrooms, a full CCTV system upgrade, new fixtures and fittings for all rooms and the introduction of a laundry service
Councillor Wylie said: "I wish to congratulate the determination and commitment of Greyfriars Team Leader Tam Byrne and the Hostel and Support Manager Moira Brown.
“The support services which have been introduced and which are now provided on-site have have made a real difference to residents."
The Greyfriars House staff support team now consists of four support workers and two complex needs social workers.
The Council's housing resettlement team have also relocated to Greyfriars House, which enables closer working and smoother transitions from the hostel to other more settled accommodation.
Councillor Barrett added: “The people accommodated at Greyfriars are vulnerable and in the past were expected to access support and services through a range of external appointments. The new model of service delivery puts Greyfriars and its residents at the centre of support, care, advocacy and counselling whereby services will now come to Greyfriars as required.”
