Support

Giving Young People a Chance

Our Housing Support Service can support up to 42 young people at any one time. Most of these young people have never lived independently before and can find it hard to cope in their own accommodation and deal with a host of new responsibilities. We believe that all young people are individuals who deserve a chance to move on positively in their lives.

We therefore move young people into their own tenancy in a planned and supported way. Young people are encouraged to identify their needs through the support planning process. This means it is tailored to meet their individual needs and makes each plan unique. This helps them to live independently in their own home and reduces the likelihood of tenancy failure. They learn that the choices they make may have positive as well as negative consequences. Support sessions usually take place in their home environment.

Emotional support covers areas such as loneliness, self-motivation, confidence building and developing social networks. Referrals are made to other agencies if required, such as counselling, mental health, drug and alcohol services.

Practical support can cover a range of issues including budgeting assistance, initial set up of tenancy, benefits, cooking, shopping, setting up payment plans for household bills, neighbour issues, guidance on further education, training and work. Contacts are maintained with the originating referring agency. We also help young people to apply for permanent housing. This list is not endless and can vary depending on each individual and how many hours of support they receive.

Doorway manages a grant from a foundation which helps young people access good quality furniture when they first move into accommodation.

We liaise with a local furniture recycling project to maximise the grant.

The support aims to gradually assist the individual to gain the knowledge and confidence they require to live independently and resolve their housing problems. It also helps to prevent repeat homelessness.