In April 2009 Southdown launched a new and innovative scheme in partnership with Chichester District Council, Social Services 14+ team and HydeMartlet.
Working in Chichester, Myplace is a two year pilot project working specifically with care leavers and vulnerable young adults aged 16+, with access to the scheme being through direct nomination from Social Services 14+ West Team or Chichester District Council.
The project provides young people referred to the service with access to supported accommodation and a flexible housing related support service available for up to four hours per week, and tailored to their individual need.
Once accepted on to the scheme young people will receive pre-tenancy support to prepare them for moving in to their first independent accommodation. This includes access to and use of the Choice Based Lettings system to identify and bid on appropriate one bed accommodation in the Chichester area, as well as preparation for the move using a six stage individual action plan, which focuses on independent living skills from a housing perspective.
When a successful bid is made, Southdown takes on the role of landlord creating a buffer zone between the head landlord (HydeMartlet) and young person. Working in partnership with the 14+ team, Southdown then provides a full package of housing management and support services to enable the young person to move in to the property, establish their home, understand and take on their rights and responsibilities as tenants, develop strong social and community networks, access work, learning etc.
The agreement remains in place until the young person reaches an appropriate level of independence and feels equipped to take full responsibility for sustaining the tenancy in the future. At this stage Southdown will withdraw support and the tenancy will revert back to HydeMartlet.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Team Leader Carol Bladen who is based at the Worthing Area Office here for further information.
Please click here to view leaflet with further information about Myplace.