New homeless housing suite 'changes man's life'

Patrick Welch is one of the Tannery's first success stories

A man who spent nights sleeping on the streets has said getting temporary accommodation in a newly set up site changed his life.

Patrick Welch, 66, moved into The Tannery in Shrewsbury in January and has since been able to secure a permanent home elsewhere.

He said he had lost his home and spent several nights sleeping rough before moving into the building.

The site, a former student halls, provides supported living for homeless and vulnerable people, as well as for victims of domestic abuse. It is run by Shropshire Council and opened last month.

The accomodation consists of flats with shared kitchens and en-suite bathrooms, with round-the-clock support available.

Mr Welch who will now move back to his home town of Broseley after a month's stay. He said previously he had fallen on hard times and lost his house.

"I actually walk around with a smile on my face now," he said.

"I couldn't be more grateful."

The Tannery is a big change from other temporary housing he has stayed in before, he said.

"When you wake up in the morning, you can get up and have a shower.

"It's completely different from what [his housing] used to be and I couldn't be more grateful."

Having access to a proper kitchen has been a big change for Mr Welch, who said his former accommodation had just a microwave and a kettle.

"I like my cooking and the kitchen [here] has got everything," he said.

"It's a home from home."

The flats in the Tannery are former student accommodation

In December 2024, Shropshire homelessness charity Shrewsbury Ark said it saw a "huge" increase in people seeking support.

Fundraising and community lead Kim Tumbridge said the number of homeless people it had seen had increased by more than 14% in a year.

The Tannery currently has more than 40 residents - with the block due to be fully occupied next week.

Gemma Jones is a Housing Support Officer for Shropshire Council

Gemma Jones is the council's Housing Support Officer - and said the key thing is encouraging independence amongst the tenants, with their own kitchens and laundry facilities.

"We provide bedding, towels, plates, cups, knives, and forks - and when [residents] have a successful move on, it's [this] they can actually take with them as a starting point," she said.

"I think a lot of people in temporary accommodation, their independence is taken away.

Ms Jones added that the Tannery's residents are primarily local people who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless.

Tenants are given basic crockery, towels, and bed sheets, which they can take with them when they eventually move out

Residents of the Tannery pay a weekly service charge to get them accustomed to paying rent and bills.

Support staff also assist with benefit applications, as well as workshops run by specialists focussing on topics like finding employment, or dealing with substance abuse.

Despite only being open since 20 January 2025, the Tannery has already seen two former residents move on to more permanent homes.

For people like Mr Welch, the Tannery offers a chance to get back to independent living, in a secure, clean, and supportive environment.

"It's unbelievable, I've relaxed a bit, I've come out of my shell again," Mr Welch said, adding that he's "realised there is help out there if you ask."

"I've made friends with all the staff - they've helped me, and I'd do anything to help them if I could."