Moving on

Centrepoint supports young people to move on to independent living by focusing on the practical, personal and social skills they will need to move on positively and with confidence.

In the period 2006-07, 74% of the young people living in Centrepoint’s accommodation based services made a positive move on- meaning that they found a new home and were looking forward to a brighter future. At Centrepoint, we want to build on this success to ensure that all young people in our care make a positive move-on when they are ready.

To this end, Centrepoint helps young people maintain their tenancies and claim benefits, and advises on ways to get into learning and work. We also help young people find suitable accommodation, and help with the deposit, which is paid back to Centrepoint.

Through Centrepoint’s Life Wise programme; a unique and innovative package of workshops which have been developed by Centrepoint’s learning team, young people attend sessions which are designed to teach the life skills to prepare them for living independently. Sessions are varied and cover topics such as living in a new property, living on a budget, and healthy eating. Some are accredited by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA).

To try and help young people move on successfully Centrepoint last year piloted a rent deposit guarantee scheme in the North East. This innovative scheme gave young people access to the private rented sector that was not previously available. The scheme is funded by the HSBOS Foundation and offers landlords a guarantee to cover the deposit needed for an initial tenancy. During this time Centrepoint works with young people to help them save towards their own deposit and understand issues around budgeting, managing money and living in independent housing.