TO the folksy strains of Sweet Georgia Brown and Rockytop Tennessee, a Newport-based charity for the homeless launched into its coming-of-age party yesterday.

"After 21 years as Newport Action for the Single Homeless we feel there is plenty to celebrate," said director Richard Frame.

"We are also taking the opportunity to change our name to Solas which more accurately reflects our Gwent-wide activities and place within the larger Seren group of care organisations," added Mr Frame, who this year was made an MBE for his work with the homeless.

"Solas is a Gaelic word meaning hope or joy."

Since 1983 when it was formed, NASH's staff of seven has grown tenfold as the role of local authorities in care for the homeless has diminished.

Starting with a hostel in Clarence Place, Newport, NASH - now Solas - opened a large centre in Pill and several small establishments all over Gwent.

Jenny Edwards, former director of the Arts Council for England and now chief executive of the umbrella organisation for homelessness projects in England and Wales, heaped praise on Solas's management and staff.

"I want to pay tribute to Richard Frame, his staff and to the board for being a part of the right chemistry that made all this happen," she said.

"It is a job in which you not only have to commit, you have to deliver. They have excelled in the challenging and complex business of changing people's lives."

Ken Edwards, chairman of Solas, said Solas - and NASH before it - had delved into some of the most difficult corners of social exclusivity. People whose lives had exhibited some unattractive traits had been nurtured by the organisation and their potential for creativity released.

The pilot project which encourages homeless people to participate in painting, pottery and music, was the centre of media attention last year when it was visited by the Prince of Wales.

"Since then we have moved into a new unified organisation under the Seren umbrella which means we are able to centralise some services such as IT," Mr Frame said.

"The new structure represents a good deal for the taxpayer since a large number of the homeless who were on drink and drugs have been able to get off them.

"To get drugs in particular people steal. Get people off drugs and you help cut crime which is to everyone's benefit."

Two years ago Solas moved into its new HQ on the corner of Lower Dock Street and George Street in Newport.

The building was restored, retaining the wooden sash windows and even the old painted signs first put there more than a century ago.

"We are tackling social problems at the same time as being a cultural asset in Newport," Mr Frame added.

"Homeless people are no different to anyone else and have an enormous reservoir of creative talent which can be tapped for the benefit of society as a whole."

But as the special birthday cake was cut it was time for partying rather than for speeches.

With Texan care worker Tim Anderson on the ukulele and vocals, Rob O'Connor on acoustic guitar, Dave Chapman on bongo drums, Phil Dunn on electric guitar, Rob Davies on bass guitar and David James on percussion - a mix of staff and residents - it was time to swing into Solas's next 21 years.