Before, during and after: tenancy preparation, education

and support

Nick BellManager Youth Homelessness

Work of Youth Unit Guarantee

“All of our work is shaped and influencedby young peopleand workers.”

(Contains no unnecessary artificial additives.

* May contain nuts.)

Work of Youth Unit• Raise profile of youth housing issues

• Promote & support leaving home & housing education

•Monitor national policy and assess its impact on young people accessing housing

Work of Youth Unit•Promote models of good practice

•Support local authorities in developing local youth housing strategies

•Influence decision makers at all levels to ensure policies recognise the needs of young people

Work of Youth Unit

• Create leaving home and housing booklets/magazines/packs/CD ROMs/DVDs

• Train workers

• Commissioned work by local authorities

• pack sent to all secondary schoolsin Scotland

• 2 lesson plans

• teachers guide

Online pupils questionnaire

www.leavinghome.info

Being Resourceful

4,880 16-17 year olds presented as homeless in the last year.*

Stay or Go

Fills gaps in parents’ knowledge about: the realities of leaving home housing information e.g. rights etc. where to go for support & advice.

Prevention: parents can play an important role in preventing youth housing crisis & homelessness.

*2006-2007 figures from the Scottish Government as published May 2008

Carer’s Guide

●Recognises specific need

●Offers specific advice

●Reflects real situations:

11 % Young people experienced homelessness since leaving care*

15 % left care to reside in supported accommodation or their own tenancy*.

* Scottish Govt Key Trends Figures 2006 as published May 2008

• Anonymous CD case containing 24 booklets on leaving home and housing issues identified by young people

• Realistic images young people can identify with – not bleak stereotypes

• User friendly ● accessible format● everyday language● offers choices not dictation

www.leavinghome.info

Young Persons Guide:• 11 magazines • custom made case

Workers Toolkit:• CD-ROM – sessionPlans; video footage;templates & much more

10 key steps to tenancy sustainment:1. Start-up info The Basics2. What to do in an emergency Emergencies3. Money & budgeting skills Money Matters4. Knowing my rights Rights ‘N’ Responsibilities5. Safety at home and outside Feeling Safe6. Basic Health Info Health Check7. Dealing with emotional stuff Me, Myself & I8. Cooking skills & shopping tips Grubs Up9. Wanting to do more than watch TV What Now?10. Info for young people leaving care Leaving Care

Young Peoples Guide

A5 booklets 12 or 16 page

Workers Toolkit: (includes young peoples guide)

• Magazine

• CD-ROM: 15 session plans templates standard letters video clips warm-ups quizzes

• Session plans & handouts

• Video clips

• Leaving home & housing education iscontinually changing

• Commitment toinvolving young people remains constant

Further information:Nick BellManager Youth HomelessnessScottish Council for Single HomelessWellgate House200 CowgateEdinburghEH1 1NQemail: nick@scsh.org.uk0131 226 4382