Schemes

Young People Leaving Care - Accommodation and Floating Support

A property in Chiswick provides eight temporary bed-sit style accommodation for young people leaving care and or young vulnerable people aged between 16 - 25 years old with low to medium support needs. The aim of the scheme is to develop their life skills and independence within a supportive environment to enable the young people to successfully move into their own permanent accommodation.

We also provide a young people floating support service, for young people who have left local authority care who have already been re-housed in their permanent accommodation. This is irrespective of landlord. The aim of the scheme is to support and assist the young person to maintain their tenancy and to generally improve their independence and confidence in dealing with any issues that may arise..

Westside Support Services run three schemes in Hammersmith and Fulham

The first scheme is suitable for homeless women of black and ethnic minority origin who are aged 18-25 years with low to medium support needs. The aim is to enable the women to develop their life skills and independence within a shared and supportive environment.

The second scheme is suitable for homeless female refugees, aged 18+ who are single with low support needs. They must also have permission to reside in the UK. The aim is to enable the tenants to develop their life skills and independence within a supportive environment.

The Westside Support Officer helps tenants research local employment/training opportunities and provide assistance in budgeting skills.

The third scheme, a property on Shepherds Bush Road is a new supported housing project which provides temporary accommodation for a limited period of up to two years for young people with low to medium support needs, aged between 16-25, who have either been in Local Authority Care or are considered vulnerable under the Children's Act 1989 /Children Leaving Care Act 2000.

The accommodation consists of a large Victorian house converted into six bed-sits and a one bedroom flat; all have their own kitchen, shower and toilet. The Westside Support Officer has an office located on the top floor and is based at the project for 21 hours per week.

The purpose of the service is to assist young people to develop the skills necessary to live independently, this is achieved by advising and supporting young people with various issues such as; practical skills, advice on welfare benefits, education, health care and emotional well-being, in order to ensure that each young person develops and utilises their personal strengths and abilities to facilitate independent living.