PROJECT BACKGROUND
Look Ahead
Housing and Care provides quality homes for over 1,500 single
homeless people within the community with support and care for
those with special needs. Housing includes four hostels, supported
housing projects, shared flats and community care schemes. During
the past two years Look Ahead has set up and managed cold weather
shelters during the winter months.
PROJECT PARTNER
Look Ahead’s Bayswater
Hostel provides accommodation for young homeless people between
the age of 18-30 years old. 80% of the residents have a history
of rough sleeping or are verified rough sleepers. The hostel
consists of 23% women and 77% men and provides support to a wide
range of ethnic groups, in particular, black ethnic minorities.
Most of the residents are currently unemployed, though a
significant number of residents are engaged in study (40%). A
small number of residents (5%) work part time or full time. The
hostel offers both single and shared rooms.
The hostel provides various support
services that aim to assist the young person in stabilising their
life and integrating themselves into their community. These
services include: a multiple needs worker who assists those
residents who have mental health and/or substance misuse needs;
key workers who provide assertive support to residents; an officer
who works to improve residents’ life skills and who provides
pre-tenancy training; a “service user involvement officer”
who co-ordinates resident consultation and a monthly
social, leisure and sports program;
a worker who co-ordinates training and employment opportunities
(this person also runs a drop-in service, where the residents are
given support to access information and internet facilities for
training and employment opportunities); and an officer who
co-ordinates residents’ resettlement to independent or supported
living. Residents typically stay at the hostel for up to 18 months
and then move to other accommodation where they can live
independently.
PROJECT AIMS
Bayswater Hostel is in
need of a study space for residents who wish to study in peace and
quiet away from the communal areas and away from their rooms,
which are often shared with a fellow resident. The room would be
booked for use in evenings and weekends. During the day, this room
would also be used as a separate area for women, where they can
watch TV and relax. The hostel has a predominately male
environment, which can be a little intimidating at times.
HOW YOU HAVE HELPED
The money you have given through the
Besom has been used to purchase furniture for the newly converted
study room/women’s room. This will give the residents the space to
study in preparation for future employment and will provide a
haven of relaxation for the women, who are in the minority.
