Young residents at a new youth housing scheme in Patchway celebrated its official launch by hosting an open day yesterday.
Neighbours, local councillors, and support providers were invited to have a look around Charles England House to see how it’s helping young homeless residents to live independently. The scheme provides temporary accommodation to young people and support to help them find a new home. It’s run as a partnership between Merlin Housing Society, South Gloucestershire Council, and County Community Projects (CCP).
CCP Operations Manager Gareth Edwards, said “We wanted to hold an open day to showcase the work we do and highlight the importance of this valuable service. The residents have been really hands-on with the event. They designed the invitations, organised the refreshments, talked to guests and showed them around the scheme. We’re all very proud of their input.”
Youth Scheme Housing Manager, Anita Cuddihy, said: “When a resident arrives at the scheme we assess their needs and support them with an aim to helping them find a more permanent home. They will also be put in touch with organisations offering any training or support they need. We’re confident that the scheme will help reduce the numbers of young homeless people in South Gloucestershire.”
Charles England House offers 24-hour housing related support to young people aged 16 to 24, including single young people, couples, families, rough sleepers, and care leavers at risk of homelessness. An emergency room is also available to provide short-term assistance to 16 to 17 year olds who would otherwise be placed in bed and breakfast accommodation.
Photo shows Scheme Manager with sisters Charlene and Chadelle Newman, who live at the scheme.
The owners of a kitten, which went missing from the central part of Bradley Stoke, have offered a reward for the safe return of their beloved pet.
Bailey’s Court Primary School today hosted the annual Infant Music Festival for Year 2 pupils, which was attended by children from all around the local area including Meadowbrook and Holy Trinity. This was a great opportunity for the local primary schools to get together and share their enjoyment of music.
A new Bradley Stoke crossing brings a safer route to school for Wheatfield pupils, though drivers can expect minor delays during the installation.
The owner of a cat which went missing from Palmers Leaze in Bradley Stoke on Friday is appealing for help from local residents to find her.
Last week 19 judoka from Bradley Stoke Judo Club aged between 8 and 16 travelled to Grisolles in France to compete in an international competition. They were accompanied by Head Coach Pete Douglas and assistant coach Gem Gale, together with parents and some siblings.
Everyone will remember the two local fundraising campaigns over the last couple of years in order to send two local children, first Toby and secondly Abigail, over to visit a very special surgeon, Dr Park at the St Louis Children’s Hospital in America in order to undergo a life-changing operation to enable each of them to walk independently.
A Bristol-based hockey club is awaiting confirmation of its new Guinness World Record™ for the longest hockey match in history. 
All local Mums are invited to join the free ‘Mummy Breakfast Club’ at the Willow Brook Centre.
There were smiles all round at yesterday’s Preschool Picnic at Jubilee Green, with a host of fun activities laid on activities – mostly free – for young children.
Bristol Palace Football Club is a men’s eleven-a-side football established just last year who play and train in Little Stoke Playing Fields. Having just completed their first season of the Gloucestershire Football Association as league winners and GFA Cup winners 2010-11, they have set themselves a new challenge!
The popularity of the local Matters Magazines and the 2 community websites, www.bradleystokematters.co.uk and