Y.E.S. Project
In 2009 the Y.E.S project received 235 referrals; 150 females and 85 males. This is split into two different areas of work: 80 young people accessed our Tenancy Support Program with a further 56 clients requiring tenancy support and assistance in accessing grants and to obtain white goods and household furniture.
The remaining 99 young people have been supported into temporary accommodation or supported living housing options for example Foyers and lodging schemes. A significant positive impact on reducing the numbers of young people becoming homeless in Knowsley has been achieved.
Targets
We have seen an increase in the number of males accessing the program in 2009. This increase can be explained by more young men requiring support with resettlement and tenancy support. Most of these referrals came from our main social landlord in Knowsley called Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) as part of our joint working to ensure that these young people do not fall through the net and fail their tenancies.
Positive intervention on singles homelessness
Furthermore we have built stronger and more robust relationships within our community with relevant agencies both statutory and voluntary to deliver a best value service that requires a very caring and compassionate approach as well as practical support to each client during what can be a difficult time for them.
The project is in its 18th year and has been accessed as value for money by KMBC Supporting People Programme. Under our Homeless Preventative Service we have achieved a number of positive outcomes and our approach is successful in both engaging young people and tailoring support around the individual need.
Tenancy Support
- The Youth Enquiry Service provides short term floating support to young people. We offer encouragement and Informal education to provide the skills they need to live independently.
- Support is offered to up to 20 young people at any one time and the service is Borough wide.
- Improved physical and mental health is a natural consequence of young people becoming involved in their community and feeling more valued and able to make more of a contribution to society. The Y.E.S. Project and the overall ethos of the Centre encourages and supports participation from initial contact.
- The project has a significant impact in the area of Debt Management and Budgeting; demand for this type of support was high in 2009. This led to the development of a stronger partnership with Credit Unions throughout Knowsley and specifically Kirkby Credit Union.
- More young people sought support with training and education throughout 2009.
Despite cuts in funding, the staff team have responded extremely well to the increased demands placed upon them and continue to go the extra mile to support young people.
I was referred to the Y.E.S. Project by Knowsley Housing Trust when I was offered my flat. The staff have helped me with my benefits, applied for grants, reduced my debt and my flat is now fully furnished because of their help and support. I am also working towards my Level 1 Literacy by attending the Skills for Life every week. I find the staff very friendly and easy to talk to with my problems.
