The Mayor of Islington cuts the ribbon to celebrate St Mungo’s care home’s new look

THIRTY-five years after it was first opened by Princess Diana, a care home for men experiencing homelessness has received a £200,000 makeover.

An orange ribbon was cut on Tuesday in the living room of the St Mungo’s care home, near Holloway, with residents celebrating the freshly painted walls and new arts and crafts facilities.

Howard Garrick moved into the home in October, following a long-term hospital stay after an accident that left him with 22 broken bones.

Mr Garrick, who spent several years being street homeless, said his “life was changed” after being hit by an underground train.

Having moved into St Mungo’s, he said: “They’ve been really great, they’ve allowed me to be myself, but they still check on me and make sure I get to my appointments.

“There’s no stress, I am supported. They’ve allowed me to recover both from the life I had before, and the accident.”

The care home looks after men over the age of 47 who have previously been street homeless, or are dealing with alcoholic dementia, substance abuse issues, or mental illness.

Resident Howard Garrick

David Taylor, who runs the service and has been working in the home for five years, said: “There is a real need not just for homeless accommodation, but for accommodation for people with complex needs, who are getting older and losing the ability to look after themselves”.

He added: “Our guys here wouldn’t fit into your typical care home. These guys are drinking, smoking, some of them are using substances. They’re in their 50s, 60s, 70s, so no one else would accept these people. They’ve had very traumatic lives. Long periods of stays in mental hospitals, hospitals, long periods on the streets, or accommodation that just isn’t meeting their needs.”

The men can live out the rest of their days in the home, with some having stayed for more than 20 years. Clients are helped with their personal care, and palliative care is offered for those with terminal illnesses.

St Mungo’s CEO Emma Haddad thanked the volunteers who had donated their time and resources to transform the living areas, including a library, dining and living spaces, and the entrance.

The refurbishment was led by Mace designers and volunteers, who have given support to St Mungo’s for five years.

Ms Haddad said: “One of the most inspiring things about St Mungo’s is its purpose, and that purpose is not just about ending homelessness, but rebuilding lives. And we know that that’s about yes, a roof over someone’s head and a bed, but much more than that as well. And a big part of that is about creating a home.”