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 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.
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Dorset Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Dorset Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fighting Fit At Fifty
As the country braces for a lockdown winter, seize the moment to become the fittest you can be – after all age is just a number
Last Night I Dreamt I Went To Mapperton Again...
Helen Stiles goes behind the scenes at the filming of Rebecca where two historic Dorset manor houses play a starring role as Manderley in this romantic thriller
Painting the Seasons
Nicholas Hely Hutchinson reveals how the changing moods of the Dorset coast and countryside inspire his paintings
THE HEAT IS ON
Weymouth 51 are blazing a trail through the chilli world with their handcrafted fermented sauces that offer layers of complex flavours from mild and fruity to super-hot tongue tinglers
Meeting MR FIX IT
Sir Oliver Letwin stepped down as the MP for West Dorset in 2019, but his passion for the county he served for 22 years is as strong as ever
Wildlife Wanderings
David Bailey shares some of his favourite Dorset images and stories taken from his new book
SOWING THE SEEDS
The average age of a British farmer is 60, which is why the Melplash Agricultural Society is investing in the next generation of Dorset farmers
HAUNTED DORSET
From spectral Roman armies and duelling ghosts to a beneficent black dog, Jerry Bird explores some of the spookier goings on around the county
Decorative art
Not simply functional, treat your walls like an extension of your personality
Age-old advice
Just become a grandparent for the first time? Perhaps you need a little guidance, so here are some top tips about how to embrace your new family role
