YMCA Northolt Grange is a short-term supported housing scheme where housing and support are provided as an integrated package, specifically providing supported accommodation to single mothers aged 16-21 and their baby.
“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 Housing Department 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.
Where parenting is identified as a specific support need residents are referred to the local Sure Start service. West London YMCA works in partnership with other specialist and statutory agencies to ensure that the needs of both mother and child are met.
The YMCA facilitate training and development opportunities for residents and service users with specialist staff to assists residents by providing basic skills tuition, computer courses and practical living skills. Support staff are able to help residents with employment skills including interview techniques, CV building and job search sign posting them on to relevant ESOL and further education opportunities.
The hostel comprises of 10 units which provide supported accommodation to single mothers aged 16-21 and their baby. 1 unit has been adapted through-out for disabled use. All units are self-contained flats comprising of a bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom. All flats are fully furnished to a good standard with a bed, cot, wardrobe, sofa, fridge, cooker, kitchen utensils and bedding.
Facilities
Communal facilities include a computer training room, residents lounge with TV and DVD player, a Wii fit, a laundry room, garden and outside parking.
Northolt Grange is staffed Monday to Friday from 9am-9pm. The staff team comprises of a Housing Manager, a Support Worker and a Cleaner.
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 held 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.
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