A town refuge for vulnerable teenage parents and their children opened its doors to the whole community for a special fund-raising open day to celebrate its sixth anniversary.

Eden Park, which is based in Corby and run by Leicester-based housing association LHA-ASRA Group, provides accommodation for up to two years to teenage parents, aged 16 to 19.

The support service comprises 13 self-contained, fully furnished apartments, which are currently all in use. Staff at Eden Park help support clients with all aspects of daily life, such as hands on parenting advice, with the aim of helping them to move into the community with greater independence.

Clients and visitors on Tuesday took part in an afternoon of fun, including face painting, a bouncy castle and a 'messy play session' for the children. There was also a selection of stalls to browse, a fund raising raffle, barbecue and cake stall full of treats baked by the clients.

Zoe Hall, manager of the Elizabeth Street support service, said: "The open day was a real success and was a fun way to demonstrate the variety of good work that goes on at Eden Park.  

"Clients opened the doors of their homes to the public, allowing them to see the accommodation we provide and what we offer.

"The support service provides a safe and secure environment for teenagers to begin their parenthood and it was rewarding to see both clients and support workers letting their hair down to relax and have fun."

Accommodation at Eden Park is funded through housing benefit with further support from the Government's Supporting People programme. Professional staff are on hand from 8am-10pm daily, and on call between 10pm-8am, to provide practical and emotional assistance to residents, helping them on their way to permanent accommodation.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Eden Park and its work, or in offering a donation, can do so by calling 01536 204315.