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Colne scales new heights with Young Families unit at Maldon
17th December 2007
Britain’s first woman to reach the summit of Everest, Rebecca Stephens MBE, made a special guest appearance to open a new young families unit for parents and their babies in Heybridge near Maldon.
The four apartment scheme has been built by one of the leading affordable housing providers in Essex, Colne Housing. The site in Everest Way has been named Stephens House after the famous mountaineer.
Chairman of Colne Housing Bill Frame, said: “It is an honour to have Rebecca open Stephens House as she is such an inspiration to everyone but especially young women. We are very proud of this young families unit as it provides an essential service to help get people started in life. We have also had some excellent partnership working with Maldon District Council and Essex County Council Supporting People to make this scheme become a reality.”
Stephens House was built at a cost of £410,000 and the apartments are designed to create a homely and stable environment for young lone parents, aged 16 to 25. It will enable them to develop life skills which will help them to live more independently in the community.
Rebecca Stephens signed a special picture of Everest as a lasting memento of her visit and also signed copies of her book for the residents. She said: “These homes are so important to improving the lives of people and it is wonderful to meet everyone here. We all have personal goals and raising a family is a very special commitment. I am delighted to open this scheme and can’t believe it’s been named after me – what an honour.”
Stephens House offers short term housing and the young women are also encouraged to gain confidence and life skills to help them to move on quickly to permanent homes.
Stephens House is in good company with a number of the roads nearby named after other famous mountaineers such as Tensing and Hilary.
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