Rebuilding Lives

Michael House is more than just a hostel, it is a safe haven. Sophie Beal reveals the many ways this remarkable organisation has helped the homeless of Bournemouth over the last 25 years

- Michael House

MICHAEL Limited, the charity behind Michael House homeless hostel in Boscombe, has just won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour bestowed to such organisations.

The award is well-timed. July marked 25 years since John Coulston and his board of trustees set up Dorset’s first night shelter, at St Michael’s Church in Bournemouth.

Eventually they decided to focus on full accommodation. “The average life-expectancy on the streets is 47. This is for a number of reasons,” John explains. “People are outside in all weathers. If you or I have a streaming cold, we can take care of ourselves. But if you are living on the streets that simply isn’t possible.”

Michael House opened in 2000, with its aim of “Rebuilding Lives”. The hostel in Grosvenor Gardens, Boscombe now has 25 beds and eight places in a move-on house next door. Over the last 17 years, it has helped more than 700 men and women find their way back into society. Currently, 97% of Michael House tenants are in education, training, employment or voluntary work - a phenomenal result.