YMCA Uxbridge 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 YMCA Uxbridge 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 resident stay in the project which is put together having carried out an extensive assessment of needs with an allocated Housing Support Officer. These are reviewed regularly with the Housing Support Officer through key working sessions and 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, resettlement and involvement in social activities both within and outside of the project.
Phase 1:
Phase 1 comprises of 13 bed-sits with shared bathroom facilities and each room is equipped with a bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, table, chairs, bed linen, fridge, kettle, toaster, microwave oven, sink and cooking hob. One room has been especially adapted for disabled use and has its own bathroom.
Phase 2:
Phase 2 comprises of 10 studio flats and each room is equipped with a bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, table, chairs, bed linen, fridge, kettle, toaster, sink, oven and hob. All rooms have their own bathroom facilities. 2 rooms have been specially adapted for hearing impaired users.
Facilities
All residents have access to an IT room equipped with PC’s and broadband internet access to help with job search, training, studying and life skills. There is also a resident’s lounge with TV, DVD player, Nintendo Wii and board games which residents can use throughout the day. There are two washing machines available to use throughout the day.
The project is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. The staff team comprises of a Housing Manager, 2 Housing Support Officers, 3 Weekend Duty Support Officers, 4 Night Support Managers, 2 Duty Support Officers 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.
