We’re part of a project to help Coventry’s care leavers gain independence

We’re helping young people who are leaving care, gain independence in their own home.

The House Project Coventry has officially launched, and we are working with Coventry City Council and registered charity National House Project to make it a success.

We will help by identifying suitable properties for around 10 young people aged 16-18. The group will form links with local companies and training providers to get the properties ready and build connections for pathways into work.

When the young people are ready, they will move into their home on an Equitable or Starter tenancy, with a view to converting this into a long-term tenancy.

The first young person has recently moved into their new home as part of this project.

Our Head of Housing Support Liz Carroll said: “It’s great to be involved in this project as we think it is really important to give people who are living in care the chance to move into their own home and support them to manage their own tenancy.

“At Citizen we believe most often a good home is all people need to thrive and when times get tough, we offer all the help we can.

“We are looking forward to seeing the success of the first group of young people who take part in the project. It’s brilliant to see the first young person move into her new home and we hope she is happy there.”

We became involved in the project after the Coventry Through Care team, part of Children’s Services at Coventry City Council, successfully applied to join the National Housing Project which is a registered charity.

The National House Project provides support and expertise to local authorities around the country to set up and manage Local House Projects so that young people leave care in a planned and supported way.

The House Project approach started in 2015 and was co-designed with young people from the start.

Young people support each other to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to leave care in a planned and supported way and they work alongside adults to do up properties that become their homes. This provides a foundation for them to live independently and lead fulfilling lives.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Coventry City Council Pat Seaman said: “I’m so pleased to see the House Project up and running in Coventry. I’ve been a huge fan of the concept ever since I first heard about it.

“Every young person needs help when they first venture out into independence and this allows care leavers to learn those vital life skills whilst knowing the support is there when they need it.

“I’m looking forward to watching the progress of the first group and I wish them all the luck in the world.”

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