TV chef whips up a storm at Hollin Street!
Nigel Haworth declares families unit officially open!
Celebrity chef Nigel Haworth was the guest of honour as Twin Valley Homes officially opened their Hollin Street centre.
Mr Haworth, co-owner of the Northcote Group and star of TV’s Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen and Market Kitchen, cut the ribbon on the £1.6m development, which provides temporary accommodation for up to 10 families.
Built by Twin Valley Homes in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, the centre has eight two-bedroom apartments including one with disabled access and two-three bedroom apartments.
Families receive support during their stay – which can be up to two years but is us
ually around six months - to improve their life skills to help them maintain a tenancy once they move onto permanent accommodation.
The building took in its first families in September and early results have been very encouraging.
To help them with their projects around the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, residents decorated shopping bags and bibs as well as a special apron which they presented to Nigel as a surprise gift.
In turn, Nigel provided some simple but tasty recipes and Twin Valley Homes provided each household with some fresh fruit and vegetables.
Guests also enjoyed a tasty and healthy drink from the smoothie bar.
Kevin Ruth, Twin Valley Homes’ Executive Director, said: “For whatever reason, families find themselves homeless and it is important that they have the opportunity of a secure and supportive environment to help them re-establish their credentials and secure a new home. We are proud to provide this opportunity at Hollin Street.
“It’s a great facility and we are appreciative of the support of the Council in helping us establish this much needed provision in the borough.
“Our staff our doing an excellent job in ensuring the necessary support is provided to residents and they themselves are showing the commitment needed to improve their situation.”
