We have been commissioned to work on a brand-new scheme to help prevent homelessness in young people across Greater Manchester.
The Young Person’s Homelessness Prevention Pathfinder is a project commissioned by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and delivered by a newly established partnership Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (GMBOP).
The initial three-year project aims to work with young people to prevent homelessness for those at imminent and long-term risk. It also aims to improve individuals’ confidence and resilience whilst supporting them to sustain an existing tenancy or move into new accommodation.
Gateway is experienced in providing support and training to homeless and vulnerable people who are ready to make positive changes and will support the project by employing a team of Progression Coaches. They will work directly with young people at risk of homelessness using personalised plans to help young people identify their individual goals and values.
Along with ensuring the young people are in stable accommodation, the team will also assist young people in reaching their goals in accommodation, financial stability, meaningful activities, and support networks.
We will work with 18 to 35-year-olds in the region, with a particular emphasis on under-25s, across Stockport, Bury, Trafford and Tameside. Other local partners, including homeless charity Depaul, The Brick and Early Break will be working across the other six Greater Manchester Boroughs.
Through this close collaboration with Local Authority Housing Teams, and establishing referral pathways directly with community organisations, we will ensure that the service is reaching young people at the earliest stage possible, where there is a genuine chance of preventing homelessness.
Kate Cunliffe, Homelessness and Prevention Services Lead at Gateway, said: “We are extremely proud to be part of this exciting project as an extension of the work we do across the North West to reduce homelessness. Finding and listening to people at the early stages of issues starting to escalate is where you can really help someone to find the right path and prevent them from hitting crisis which can be so damaging.”
Rachel O’Connor, GMBOP Programme Manager, said: “This project is all about trying to assist young people before their situation becomes worse and they find themselves on the street or without accommodation. Our coaches walk alongside young people and help them navigate some of the systemic barriers they may encounter”.