Residents of supported living homes in Cromer have shown their appreciation for their homes as they welcomed MP Norman Lamb and Cromer's Mayor John Frosdick, to their open day.
The residents, many of which would otherwise be sleeping rough, have worked tirelessly to bring the properties run by the Genesis Housing Project up to scratch ahead of the event.
Last year, residents supported by Genesis spent five months painting and redecorating number 7 on Cabbell Road, before entirely gutting and redecorating two other houses owned by the scheme this year.
One of the residents, Diane, said: 'I was working all day, every day, painting the kitchen. It was a lot of hard work but well worth it as it really does make a difference to the scheme.'
And it's not only the interiors which have been given a revamp, with the garden, windows and roofs all receiving some TLC as well.
Food and drink was also on offer, thanks to the residents' creations of homemade cakes, as well as a barbecue.
Enhanced Service Coordinator, Lee Ellis, said: 'One type of support does not fit all and getting involved in all sorts of different activities really makes a difference. We have painting, gardening, decorating and cooking groups here and it means so much to residents that they can be involved with the redecoration, not only to make the place more homely but also to give residents the chance to develop their life skills.
'We're also living proof that the 'Pride in Your Scheme' initiative works; the redecoration at number 7 was carried out over a year ago and it still looks like new because the residents have kept it that way.'
Cromer's Mayor, John Frosdick added at the event on August 25: 'I'm really impressed with everything I've seen – and tasted! – here today. Well done to everyone who has worked so hard over the last few months.'
Last year, Genesis introduced Direct Access so that anyone wanting to live there can apply directly, rather than need to be referred by an external agency, meaning that they can be housed and begin their journey to recovery more quickly.
This is still a rarity in Norfolk, with only a limited number of schemes offering this option.
Numbers 7, 24 and 26 Cabbell Road offer a total of 23 rooms and two self-contained flats for single homeless people.
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