Supported Housing.
Our supported housing provision is more than just a roof over your head ......it's more than a first taste of independent living….
It's a chance to make a fresh start.
Our supported housing is for young people aged 16-25 who need accommodation due to hardship and want to work towards making a better life for themselves.
Admission Criteria: click HERE for our current criteria.
Eligibility Criteria: click HERE for our current criteria.
So, what are we able to offer? Click on the following bold-type headings to see more.
Accommodation / Training-Education-Employment / Leisure & Social.
Referrals will be considered from the following comprehensive, though not exhaustive/exclusive, list of agencies:
- The Local Authority Housing Dept. (e.g. Homeless Persons Officers, Sandwell House)
- Social Services
- Housing Associations
- Children's Society
- Voluntary Agencies (e.g. Churches, CAB, and other community organisations)
- Walsall Health Authority
- Probation Service
- Connexions
Parental & self-referrals will also be considered subject to the relevant information/details being made available to First Base prior to a second interview.
- The prospective resident is single and aged between 16 and 25 (we are unable to accept couples and/or family groups due to the nature of our accommodation i.e. single person occupancy flats);
- The prospective resident being homeless, or in imminent housing need;
- Referred by an agency, or parent, with a good working knowledge of the young person's needs;
- Being able to live in an environment that requires consideration of others and their property;
- Willing to follow a Vocational Action Plan, tailored to their individual needs, in order to obtain/develop the skills needed for independent living;
- Require support in the following key skill areas:
- Setting up a home & maintaining a tenancy
- Personal Finance – incl. budgeting & accessing relevant benefits
- Health & hygiene
- Education, training &/or employment
- Social skills – i.e. ability to interact with people in a social &/or formal environment
- Be employed or entitled to claim benefits e.g. Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit etc;
- No history of addiction disorder (e.g. drug, alcohol, gambling etc.) unless they are receiving a recognised programme of help/support from an appropriate specialist agency;
- No history of serious behavioural problems (e.g. a history of violence).
All referrals will undergo a full & comprehensive risk assessment & cases will be considered on individual merit.
It is expected that the referral agent will offer continuing support where appropriate.
Our flats are based in central Walsall, within easy walking distance of the town centre. We have 18 flats that have a single bedroom with en-suite toilet/shower facilities & a lounge/kitchen/dining room and 3 flats of a "bedsit"-type - with toilet/shower facilities & sleeping space within the lounge/kitche/dining area.
Staff are available on-site to help with absolutely anything - whether it's benefits, cooking, budgeting... or just simply someone to talk to. In fact, there's someone on site 24/7 be it staff or part of our Security Team.
Residents may stay at First Base until they are ready to move into more permanent accommodation, which may take from a few months to a year or more.
Training, Education & Employment.
Finding the right career is one of the most important things for young people…. it's important to us as well.
We'll help you find and develop the skills you need for your brighter future. If you don't know what to do or haven't got any qualifications…. no problem, we'll help you to achieve your goals.
Our supported housing provision links young people to training, education and employment opportunities throughout Walsall and surrounding areas.
All young people have hidden talents - we help to find and make the most of them.
‘Chilling out' is a vital part of the service and we seek to give the opportunity for residents to build 'social' relationships amongst themselves, relax in front of digital TV, access the Internet or play snooker/pool.
Regular residents meetings allow young people the opportunity of shaping the future of the supported housing service.
Some of our off-site excursions are not for the faint hearted, as those residents and staff who spent a night at Beaudesrt Scout & Guide Camp in torrential rain discovered - but they're guaranteed to be unforgettable!
Theatre trips, Waterworld, quiz nights, cinema trips and fundraising concerts are just some of the activities that have featured over the years.
We give residents the opportunity to use their creative skills, with past projects having included producing films, CD's and newsletters. All of which contribute to their personal development and allows them to develop new skills.