A Harrow housing association celebrating its 50th anniversary has opened a new shared housing centre for young people.

Leader of Harrow Borough Council Cllr Susan Hall visited Harrow Churches Housing Association’s (HCHA) new accomodation centre and met some of the young people living there.

The housing association has been working in Harrow for 50 years and supports hundreds of vulnerable people from age of 18 to 24 at its nine properties across the borough.

HCHA Young Persons’ project co-ordinator Sheetal Patwa said: “We provide housing combined with training and personal development as we recognise that homelessness is not just a housing issue.

“We need to understand and address the reasons behind an individual’s homelessness and factors preventing them from leading a fully independent life.”

Cllr Hall said: “I’m thoroughly impressed by what I’ve seen, clearly there’s a massive need for homes like this.

“The more hope we can give youngsters for their future the more we can support people into work, and into having a fulfilling life, the better.

“It’s essential that young people can achieve their dreams and that they know where they’re going, and we’ve got to do everything we can to help.”