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What is it?
Bolton Young Persons’ Housing Scheme was set up in 1990 by a number of the town’s residents who were concerned about young people sleeping rough.
They work with young people aged 16 – 25, such as those with ASBOs, mental health issues, learning
difficulties, Schedule 1 offenders or those with a history of arson, and have around 25 residents living in
self-contained flats rented from various housing associations.
Staff at BYPHS firmly believe that agencies should work effectively with homeless young people as this
involvement can and does improve service and performance.
What’s involved?
BYPHS involve service users on a number of levels:
- On a strategic level, users are represented on the management committee and are involved in the annual planning day
- At delivery level they become involved in staff selection, organise social events and have set up a self-help group called YIPPEE that helps to raise funds
- To monitor performance users are continually encouraged to give feedback on support and
accommodation provided and are represented on the committee - As part of the evaluation and review process, exit interviews and satisfaction surveys with service users and stakeholders take place
Constant involvement and feedback from service users has led to a number of ideas being adopted at the scheme, such as the recruitment of a resettlement worker, the creation of laundry facilities at the office,
improvement of facilities at the drop-in centre, the use of ex-residents as part of a ‘buddy’ scheme, and the provision of a pack for new residents.
What has it led to?
The self-esteem and confidence of service users is increased because they believe they are respected and acknowledged as individuals, with many former service users becoming able to establish themselves as active members of the community.
The cost to society is reduced as it reduces the residents’ length of stay in this type of accommodation and also helps to break the homelessness cycle.
BHYPS itself has recorded a reduction in costs due to less damage to property and lower arrears, whilst links with partner agencies have been developed due to the positive comments about the organisation from young people. |
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