A new ‘trainer flat’ which gives cared for young people a taste of what it is like to live independently has been opened by Rochdale Borough Council.
Living alone for the first time can be a daunting experience, but it can be an even greater challenge for those who have grown up in care as some may only have a limited support network that they can rely on.
This can make adjusting to new responsibilities such as paying utility bills, managing a tenancy agreement, budgeting and keeping on top of household chores harder.
However, through the help of the local authority’s trainer flat scheme, of which there are now 14 across the borough, cared for young people aged 17 and over are being offered the perfect stepping stone to safely prepare for life on their own.
The new trainer flat's living room.
Fully furnished and equipped with everyday household goods, these flats provide young people with the time and support they need to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to successfully transition into adulthood.
This support is offered without the financial pressures normally associated with setting up a home, with the young people not required to contribute towards gas, electricity, water and other property-related utility costs until they turn 18.
This gives young people time to adjust to independent living without immediately burdening them with additional pressures, which can often cause tenancy agreements to break down.
The new trainer flat's kitchen.
Throughout their stay, young people continue to receive support from their social worker and personal adviser alongside guidance and support to learn the necessary skills to live independently.
The young people also receive support with education, training and employment opportunities, help with their emotional wellbeing and support on how to adapt to their new way of living.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children's services and education, said:
"The pressure of moving into your first home can be very overwhelming, as there are lots of things you have to manage from the get-go.
"This can be a huge burden to take on, and our cared for young people have already gone through so much in their lives. These trainer flats offer them a safety cushion and precious time to adjust to living independently.
"By alleviating those additional pressures and helping them to find their feet, the experience they gain is invaluable on their journey into adulthood and really helps to set them up for life."
Before moving into a trainer flat, young people must initially spend some time in a taster flat, usually up to a week, while living in their current placement such as a children’s home or with foster carers.
This is to begin their understanding of what living independently is like before they move into a trainer flat.
The new trainer flat's bedroom.
While residing in the trainer flat, young people continue to receive a weekly allowance from children’s social care, which they must budget to cover their own food and day-to-day living expenses.
As part of their tenancy agreement, young people must also commit to achieving the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network ‘Moving On’ award.
This is an accredited and certified programme that helps young people learn how to stay healthy, manage their money, build relationships, start their careers and maintain a home.
Young people can add this award to their portfolio of achievements, and it can be useful when applying for future tenancy agreements as it demonstrates that they are responsible tenants.
Councillor Rachel Massey (left); and Councillor Daniel Meredith (centre) are given a our of the new trainer flat.
Councillor Daniel Meredith, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, added:
“This is a fantastic scheme, and I am delighted to see it grow and create even more opportunities for our cared for young people to gain the skills and confidence they need to live independently.
“The flat has everything needed to make it a loving home and with the support and guidance that goes alongside this, it will give young people the stability and practical experience they need to thrive as they move into adulthood.”
Hundreds of young people have been supported through the scheme since it was established in 2004, and many have gone on to enjoy bright futures including successful careers in health and social care and the arts alongside becoming homeowners themselves.