Bristol has been awarded Government funding to create a high-support housing support project for homeless and vulnerable young people.

The city will receive up to £490,000 to create a six-bedroom building for young people and to refurbish an existing three-bedroom property on the same site to provide offices for staff and counselling and groupwork areas.

The funding was awarded by the Government as part of a £200 million allocation to 101 projects nationwide in a move aimed at bringing together children's and family services on to one site at the heart of the community.

The application comes after the council identified a gap in homelessness service provision for young people in Bristol who present with challenging/complex needs, including some care leavers.

-- Advertisement --

Although Bristol has a bespoke supported hostel for up to 25 young people, St Georges House, provided by Priority Youth Housing, it does not have a smaller high support project for young people whose needs are too high for St Georges House or who are unable to cope in such a busy environment.

The key is not simply to meet the housing and support needs of youngsters, but also their physical and mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, TREE (training, recreation, education and employment) and behavioural needs.

Councillor Mark Wright, Cabinet Member for Housing and Service Improvement, said: "The award of funding for a dedicated high-support housing project for homeless and vulnerable young people is good news.

"Bristol is committed to tackling homelessness in general through preventative action. Sadly, some people still reach a crisis point and this new project will address a gap in the services which work with vulnerable young people."

The project is a joint initiative between the council; Wayahead Housing and Support charity which is one of Bristol's two main providers of housing and support for young people aged 16-25 years and Sarsen Housing Association.

(CD/JM)