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19th December 2007 — Christmas has come early for residents at a supported housing scheme for young mums in the North West. A surprise gift of £1,000 from local company Air Products will help Olivia Lodge of Clayton, East Manchester, spread the festive cheer by funding presents and a big children’s party.

Olivia Lodge is owned and run by Manchester Methodist Housing Association (MMHA), part of Great Places Housing Group, and houses young mothers aged between 16-25 years old with children under the age of five in 12 self-contained flats. The residents, who might otherwise be homeless, have their own homes at the project but 24-hour support is on hand.

Mothers learn life skills such as budgeting and cooking as well as parenting, before they are ready to move on to an unsupported tenancy. Fathers and partners are encouraged to play an active parenting role too.

Toni, who is mum to Katie Leigh and a resident at Olivia Lodge, said: “This is great, we don’t have lots of money to spend on presents and parties so Air Products’ donation will make sure this Christmas is one to remember. Plus there will be money left over to buy new equipment for Olivia Lodge that we can all share.”

Suzanne Meylan, operations manager for MMHA, said: “It’s really important for projects like Olivia Lodge to obtain support from local companies. Air Products’ donation – particularly at this time of the year – was a generous contribution and a fantastic surprise, which will help us make Christmas a great one for the mums and children who live there.

“We will also have enough money left to buy a sewing machine, material and related kit for the project ­ something the residents have been keen to see for a long time. ”

Meeting residents – many of whom are college students – as he toured the facility, Howard Lynn, Facilities Manager at Air Products’ Clayton plant, commented:

“We try and support our local area as much as possible and we are certain our £1000 donation will be used well by the people at Olivia Lodge. We were really keen to help them as they are an important asset to our community and provide an invaluable service for many young, families.”