Preparing Young People for Independent Living
123 Supported Accommodation has been established for over 13 years, the owners Rose and Lyn have over 40 years experience of working with children and young people. Our aim, is to help build resilience and emotional stability, as well as promote confidence and independence skills.
Moving from a children’s home or foster care can be a daunting experience for any young person. We are aware of the mixed emotions surrounding moving home and how you may be feeling. We are all well qualified and experienced in nurturing and supporting young people through this move. Our team continues to help and support you long after you have left us. We are still in contact with many of our young people, giving advice, emotional support and practical help.
To ease the transition period we do all we can to make you feel relaxed and at home. Bedrooms are beautifully furnished and personalised, you will not need to use any of you leaving grant. Each room has a brand new bed, a Smart TV and a welcome pack awaiting your arrival. Gradual moves are also encouraged, you can stay a night or come for visits, in the weeks before you move.
We will gradually teach you how to be able to sustain living independently, using practical skills session and cooking activities. A large part of learning how to live independently is being able to manage your time whilst in your own company. This cannot be taught and has to be experienced. It is for this reason that 123’s homes are not staffed for large periods of time during the day, although Rose and Lyn are on call 24/7 if you need us.
We have our own Moving On skills book which we link to the ASDAN living independently short course. During your stay you will complete both courses, as well as the Open University young peoples money management course. There are financial incentives available to encourage you to engage in the skills work. By the time you are approaching young adulthood, you will have everything you need in place to be able to confidently thrive in your own space.
Over the past 13 years since 123 was conceived, Rose and Lyn have identified the need for Leaving Care homes to adopt a front line role in promoting and protecting young people’s mental health and well-being. We feel it is important that Local authorities and providers work closely together to plan the most effective way of improving your mental health and well being, so that you can make a sustainable transition to independence.
At 123 we advocate a whole-home therapeutic approach, that embeds wellbeing throughout our day to day culture. The activities we carry out, the atmosphere we create in the home and the training our staff receive, all work towards achieving this objective.
We are conscious of the stress and anxiety placed on young people and endeavour to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for activities which develop life-long skills for well-being.
An independent counsellor visits each house weekly. The counsellor is independent – this enables you to speak freely in the knowledge that their sessions will be confidential and separate from 123.
You will be encouraged to engage in an education programme that suits your needs. 123 aims to bring about a balance between promoting: independence, academic attainment and personal well-being. Greater well-being will equip you to achieve academically and is fundamentally necessary to living independently.
Our team is emotionally involved to an exceptional degree. We do not just switch off when not at 123. We believe this commitment is what makes us stand out and enables us to achieve the results we do. We endeavour to instil hope and resilience in you. We offer unconditional positive regard to everyone we work with, whether they are young people, staff or outside agencies. Our expectations are always centred around the individual, their circumstances and past experiences, as well as the goals they wish to achieve for themselves. Over the years many of our young people have made lasting and rewarding relationships with 123 team members.
We have two houses offering the same excellent level of support. To maintain consistency our team works across both houses. Each house is beautifully furnished and decorated to a high standard.
123 is a 3 story town house situated in a thriving residential area on the outskirts of Blackpool town. Close to: Stanly Park, a sports centre, a health centre, busy shopping area, local colleges, main bus routes and Blackpool North train station. We have: 5 bedrooms, a sun terrace, snug, dining room, office/counselling room, outdoor area, kitchen diner and laundry/utility room.
In addition to our group living homes for 16 and 17 year olds, we also provide flats with floating support for young people who have shown us they’re ready to transition to independence.
- As you approach seventeen and a half and when you have acquired the necessary independence skills, a flat in an appropriate area that you feel comfortable with, will be found.
- All health and safety checks on the property will be carried out.
- The flat will be decorated and furnished using your leaving care grant, with the support of our highly experienced decorating and maintenance team. You will be at the centre of all decisions.
- You will move into your new home and continue to receive a package of support until you are 18. Our standard package is 16 hours a week but this can be tailored to your individual needs and staff will be contactable 24/7 if you need them.
- On your 18th birthday the tenancy will be legally handed over to you.
- Once you’re in charge of your tenancy, you’ll receive a weekly visit and daily phone calls for the next 2 months. Then a weekly phone call for the next month.
- As stated in 123’s pledge to all our young people, you will be able to contact us for: support, advice or a chat, for as long as you want.
If you would like more information or want to make a referral, please ask your social worker or call Rose on 07377 702798 or email rose@123plus.uk.com
123 believes that our staff and volunteers are what makes us different. They will be provided with the same concern, respect and care, that they are expected to show our young people.
We have been a member of the Living wage foundation for over 6 years and take pride in our investment in staff.
If you would like more information on working or volunteering with us:
Email rose@123plus.uk.com or amy@123plus.uk.com
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