Young people are the most important resource we have, and it's important that they have the opportunity to flourish. The issue of accommodation is, therefore, an important one. At the Fylde Coast YMCA we work hard to support and help young people out of homelessness and onto the housing ladder.
Our housing service takes many forms. We have rent bond guarantee schemes, tenancy support services, and advice centres, as well as providing temporary accommodation for 16 to 25 year olds. Having a roof over your head is one of the basics of life, and the YMCA is keen to support young people in finding accommodation.
Housing – what's on offer?
Wyre YMCA has three housing schemes all based in Fleetwood; George Williams House, The Foyer and 113 London Street.
Wyre YMCA Foyer
The Wyre YMCA Foyer is a supported housing initiative for young people aged between 16 and 25 years old, who are in need of housing and support. The accommodation is temporary - it is expected that the resident's stay will be between 6 months and 2 years.
Support workers work with residents on independent living skills, social and life skills training, so that when it is identified they are ready to move on from the Foyer, they have developed the skills which will enable them to succeed in independent living.
Each resident will also have the opportunity to participate in group work projects and training to boost confidence and self esteem.
The Foyer is staffed 24 hours a day to offer support to residents of the scheme.
What young people think of the Foyer:
"I am enjoying the Foyer so far and enjoy the company from other residents. It is a nice friendly environment, I also enjoy the training with Claire."
"It is a lot better than I thought it would be and my friends complemented on the room and the inside of the building."
"I think that the Foyer is OK, but I get lonely and it's not like being at home."
Drama Workshops
"Scenarios are dead cool cos it involves the whole group and I like to hear other resident's solutions to problems. The drama sessions are ace too as it helps with confidence and the group understand it more."
Confidence and Independence
"My confidence and independence alike has grown hugely since living in the Foyer. I can complete C.V.'s and job applications and my interview skills are a lot better now I have attended mock interviews."
"I have been attending training every Tuesday night and I have enjoyed it. I have been trying to take part in the discussion to build up my confidence."
Budgeting
"I have looked at the types of benefits I received and have learnt how to make my money last me throughout the week."
Completing Forms
"I attended the session on Housing Benefit forms and I filled it in without any help by the staff. I had some difficulties but I know what to do now."
Move-on Accommodation
113 London Street hosts five self-contained flats located a short walk from the Foyer.
113 London Street is a next step to independent living from the Foyer. Here residents continue to work with the support of the Foyer staff whilst maintaining a degree of independence.
It allows the residents of the scheme to experience semi-independent living, with the confidence that staff are still available to support them, it also allows the residents an opportunity to discover if they are actually ready to live independently, with an option to move back to the Foyer if they decide the move was too soon.
Whilst at 113 London Street, residents work through a specific moving-on programme designed to develop skills in maintaining a tenancy.
For more information please contact us:
Wyre YMCA Foyer
Fielden House
London Street
Fleetwood
Lancashire
FY7 6JE
Tel: 01253 775400
George Williams House
George Williams House is named after the founding member of the YMCA and provides temporary, supported accommodation for homeless young people and families. George Williams House comprises of 6 flats for young people aged 16-17 years old and 9 flats for families with up to three children.
The lack of immediate housing in the area had been widely reported and George Williams House was built to help meet this need and help reduce the high use of B&B's to accommodate homeless people. The flats are self contained, with their own bathroom and cooking facilities. Facilities on site include a laundry, counselling room and meeting/training room.
George Williams House is more than 'just a roof' and it is our aim to support residents to help themselves deal with their immediate problems and secure longer term accommodation. Support Officers and Support Workers are available to offer help to all residents and it is a condition of their licence agreement that they engage in accessing the support provided.
Comments from residents:
Family
"I wasn't expecting it to be like this. I would like to say I feel very relaxed here."
"I feel that me and my son are very safe and well supported in here, especially with my Keyworker, who has been fantastic through a tough time."
"Through my action plans I am more organised than before and if I have a problem, I will sort it out now instead of just ignoring it as I would have done before I came here."
"The emotional uplift helped me to pursue putting my life back together. I think my Action Plans really helped me to take a look at my life and how I could change it for the better."
Young person
"I'm more independent now and have learnt to make my money last and make sure I have everything I need – e.g. food, electric, rent."
"My Keyworker has helped me a lot with healthy eating and budgeting my money. Thank you for helping me and getting me more organised."
For more information please contact us:
Wyre YMCA
George Williams House
Broomfield Road
Fleetwood
Lancashire
FY7 7LS
Tel: 01253 878826
