As part of its support around homelessness, Knowsley Council commissions Knowsley Supported Lodgings to provide family style accommodation for single homeless young people in Knowsley aged 16 to 24.
Supported lodgings enable a young person to live with someone (a single person, couple or a family) with a spare room as well as receiving support from the householder and a Support Co-ordinator. The Support co-ordinator provides support to the young person for a range of issues including accessing benefits, employment, education and volunteering.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, added “We offer a range of support to people of all ages to prevent them becoming homeless in the first instance, as well as providing tailored support to those who do find themselves homeless. The work of specialist support agencies, such as Knowsley Supported Lodgings, provides invaluable support to residents when they really need it.”
One resident who has benefitted from this support is 19 year old Jess who accessed Knowsley Supported Lodgings at the end of January this year after sofa surfing with a number of friends.
As well as securing a home and support with driving lessons, Jess also secured a place a college on a Dog Grooming Course as well as gaining work experience at a local dog grooming shop. Last month, Jess achieved the NVQ Level 3 in Dog Grooming and Salon Management qualification and is now a self-employed Dog Groomer.
Jess said “Having the stability of a home and training to be a Dog Groomer has helped me enormously to get back on track. My householders were so supportive and now that I have a job, I am no longer reliant on benefits. Knowsley Supported Lodgings has really helped me to get to where I am today.”
Cllr Del Arnall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said “I’m delighted to hear Jess’ story who has managed to turn her life around and is doing a job she loves. Well done Jess!”
If you have a spare room and would like to support a young person like Jess, ring Knowsley Supported Lodgings on 0151 559 1695.