A SUPPORTED housing project in Winchester has celebrated its first anniversary.

Trinity Winchester drop-in centre manages Alleyne House, on Hyde Street, which supports people on the city council’s general housing waiting list and low-risk individuals leaving prison and looking to make a new start.

Residents are offered support in managing a tenancy and training to help them back into employment.

In the first year 11 people have been successfully housed, with four having moved on into their own long term accommodation. One resident has become a health and safety representative working alongside Trinity’s staff team. Two others are volunteering to gain work experience, and another is looking to return to college.

Before Alleyne House reopened there was concern locally as to how it would be managed.

Trinity chief executive Sue McKenna said: “Alleyne House shows what can be achieved through giving personalised support to people who want to make a positive change in their lives.

“We are pleased that it has been so well-accepted by the local community and we will continue our dialogue with local residents and their council representatives to take on board any concerns they may have.”

The building was redeveloped by former Hampshire High Sheriff Mark Thistlethwayte and offers seven self-contained flats. Residents are supported by a live-in supervisor and by Trinity’s housing support team.

Mr Thistlethwayte said: “I am delighted that the project has progressed so well in a relatively short time. Everyone agrees there is a real need to help people to turn their lives around when they have been through hard times – and I am pleased to have been able to help through the provision of Alleyne House.”