YMCA Hayes – Ventura House is a short-term supported housing scheme where housing and support are provided as an integrated package.
“We provide supported accommodation because we believe everyone should have somewhere safe to stay”
Our supported housing scheme is designed to help people develop in all aspects of life; mind, body and spirit, enabling people to live as independently as possible within their community, with a real focus on social inclusion.
Support
Support can include managing benefits and debt, how to develop daily living skills, looking for education, training and employment or volunteering, referrals to relevant agencies for mental health, drug or alcohol use and guidance in securing permanent accommodation.
We provide targeted and universal support to single people age 16 and above in housing need, individuals who are homeless, vulnerable and/or at risk, people living with mental illness, learning disabilities or recovering from substance misuse or those who are fleeing domestic violence.
One of the main objectives of the YMCA Hayes – Ventura House is to support residents during their time of immediate need, and enable them to develop their personal and social skills sufficient for them to live independently from the YMCA in a sustainable way.
Support Plans are an integral part of each ‘supported’ residents stay in the hostel which are put together having carried out an extensive assessment of needs with an allocated Support Worker. These are reviewed on at least a monthly basis with the Support Worker through key working sessions however they can be initiated by the resident at any time.
Staff are able to give advice and information on budgeting, accessing appropriate health care, counselling/support groups, training and employment opportunities. Assistance is also given with benefit claims, job search and involvement in social activities both within the hostel and in the wider community.
The hostel comprises of 82 units with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. (12 are self-contained flats for homeless families).
All family units are self-contained and are fully furnished to a good standard with beds, wardrobe, dining table and chairs, microwave oven, sofas, fridge, washing machine and a cooker.
All single rooms are fully furnished to a good standard with a bed, wardrobe, computer desk and chair and bed linen. A shared kitchen is equipped with a microwave, toaster, washing machine, kettle and cooking utensils.
Ventura House is here to meet the short-term housing needs of residents. Our aims are to provide accessible accommodation, training, personal development, job search facilities and other essential services, together with community involvement and resettlement opportunities.
Facilities
Clients have access to a training room with PC’s and broadband internet access to help with job search, training, studying and life skills. There is also a lounge and TV which clients can use throughout the day.
Residents also have access to the YMCA Youth Programmes and Services based at the hostel which provides an internet café as well as training and life skills programmes.
Policies, rights and responsibilities
YMCA is committed to safeguarding and equal opportunities in all areas of its work and responsibilities, aiming to support residents and to ensure that it provides accommodation and services that are safe and secure. Thus, alcohol is not allowed on our premises and smoking is not allowed on site.
We recognise that we have a duty of care, including legal obligations as a landlord; therefore YMCA will liaise with the appropriate authorities to prevent the taking and supply of illegal drugs or banned substances on its premises.
Resident Participation
YMCA is committed to ensuring that residents have a real say in the on-going management and development of the Housing and Accommodation services. Resident’s forums and resident’s surveys are hold regularly.
The Association’s complaint policy and procedure ensures that our customers are listened to and valued. It also ensures that we are accountable to our residents for the quality of service being delivered.
