New Bishop to meet homeless mums in run up to Mothering Sunday

Young mothers who have become homeless will be sharing their stories with the new Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, when he visits one of the services of local homelessness charity, Framework, this Friday (12th March 2010).

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, who took up his new post last week, will be visiting Aidan House – a home for single homeless women aged 16 -19 who are pregnant or with young children, but have no-where to live due to reasons including: a family or relationship breakdown, fleeing domestic violence or racial abuse, poor mental health or problems with drugs or alcohol.

Bishop Paul said: “This weekend on Mothering Sunday, many of us will be thinking of our mother’s and saying a special thank you for their care and love. It will be good for me to see another side of motherhood on Friday, meeting those without homes of their own and who have been struggling to keep their families safe. I feel very privileged to be invited to meet some of Framework’s clients and staff to find out more about the invaluable work they are doing across the city and the county in supporting the homeless.”

Framework’s Chief Executive, Andrew Redfern, will be at Aidan House to greet the new Bishop.  He said: “Framework has its origins in Macedon and Nottingham Help the Homeless Association – both had strong links with the churches and were active in the 1970s when Paul Butler was studying at Nottingham University. 

“So I am delighted to welcome Bishop Paul to Aidan House. I’ll take the opportunity to update him on all that has happened in recent years to improve services for homeless and vulnerable people in Nottinghamshire. The basic shelters we used to have are gone – now replaced by purpose-built hostels, high quality supported housing and preventative services, all with the aim of helping people to get their lives back on track.

“I’ll be thanking Bishop Paul for all that the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham does to support our work, and sharing some ideas about how we can strengthen our partnership in the coming years.”

Framework provides housing, support, training, care and resettlement services – opening doors to over 6,000 homeless and vulnerable people each year across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.  For more information, visit www.frameworkha.org .

Photo Opportunity:
Bishop Paul will be arriving at Aidan House at 12 noon, when there will also be an opportunity for photos with the Chief Executive, Andrew Redfern.
To arrange photography and location details for Aidan House contact Pete Morris on 0115 970 9528 or email pete.morris@frameworkha.org