A HOUSE in Taunton which provides accommodation for vulnerable homeless mothers is opening its doors.

National charity LIFE is holding an open day today (Tuesday, September 27), for its new LIFE House in the town.

The home was launched in May, following a successful fundraising drive by a Taunton resident.

It offers accommodation for pregnant women or mothers and their babies.

The house has been specially adapted to make it fit for purpose for this client group with separate bedrooms and communal kitchen and lounge areas where the residents can receive support in acquiring independent living skills and parenting their baby.

The homely shared environment also fosters peer support from one another and enables friendships to flourish.

The project has been driven by Life volunteer Vivienne Duncan, whose experience in maternity services in the town highlighted the desperate need for such a provision.

Her passion and hard work has helped to raise over £20,000 to get the project off the ground and help pay for general running costs in the first year.

Ms Duncan said: “It all started in 2008 when I met a 16-year-old who was pregnant and homeless and was therefore being housed but in inappropriate accommodation.

"She ended in hospital and I re-housed her with some friends of mine.

"I decided then that I wanted to open a home for such girls and their babies.

"Some eight years later I opened a mum and baby home in May this year in Staplegrove, Taunton.

"I have set it up with the charity LIFE which has 24 mum and baby homes set up across the UK and Ireland.

"The house will be home to six mums and their babies from when they are pregnant to when they decide to move on.

"I have to raise £10,000 a year to pay for the manager who will be there 20 hours a week and also for any other needs of the girls and their babies.

"I also have a team of volunteers that go in and teach life skills such as budgeting, cooking and parenting and who also may become a 'buddy' to the girls.

"We welcome all members of the public to visit the House on Tuesday to see the important work being done here to support these vulnerable women.”

The open day takes place from 10am-2pm in Taunton, TA1 1EW.

Contact Lucie for more information - 07767475772.