Living With Us

In the Spirit offers a number of supported semi-independent units, which aim to provide the young people who come to us with an environment that enables them to develop the skills that will eventually allow them to go on and live full and independent lives.

For most young people the development of independent living skills is a gradual one, shaped by family life and living in a family home. There are no punctuated periods where they learn to cook, clean, pay bills, develop a work ethic etc, they go about their everyday lives, smply watching the interactions of others and picking up these key everyday skills.

In the Spirit wants the young people who come to “live with us” to do just the same. By having a resident staff member living in the house, we believe that young people can be prepared for independence in a safe and communal environment. Young people are supported to meet the 5 Every Child Matters outcomes by a team of personal advisers, tutors, medical/sexual health advisers and a group of local businesses who offer work experience and trainee opportunities.

We aim to provide a truly holistic experience to the transition from being looked after or a vulnerable young person to independence. The government has identified 5 outcomes that all children and young people need, we believe that we can assist in achieving these important expectations in the following ways:-

1.    Be Healthy

We have available in-house medical & sexual health advice provided by a Registered General Nurse & Practice Manager. We are able to provide a weekly drop-in clinic where young people can talk in confidence about all aspects of their health.

2.   Be Safe

Our houses offer an excellent veiw on all aspects of a healthy home life, this also includes having a residential staff member. They are small enough to provide young people with a positive social and emotional learning experiences so they can feel they belong. Each young person will have a mentor available to them for a minimum of 10 hours per week (more hours are available on request), to address their individual support needs. 

3.  Enjoy & Achieve

Whether it be the desire to continue in education or develop basic literacy and numeracy skills we can offer advice or tutorials with a DfES qualified teacher & achievement consultant. If it is the desire is for employment or to obtain some experience in a particular field, we have access to a number of local businesses who are able to assist. If it is a wish to develop or continue a hobby or leisure activity we are small enough to support a young person to reach their full potential.

4.   Make a Positive Contribution

We believe that the only way to do this is by developing a secure relationship with a mentor. With the support of a skilled mentor we aim to provide each young person with an individual support package that enables them to build their self-esteem. So enhancing the skills to deal with the inevitable challenges and changes in life.

5.   Achieve Economic Well-Being

When a young person comes to “live with us”, we immediately begin to prepare them for the task of living the full and independent lives that is their right. In addtion we run weekly 1 hour experiential learning and guidance Preparation for Independence workshops. The modules include, registering for utility services, managing personal banking, shopping on a budget. cooking, bidding for LA properties, paying rent & council tax.

Our service in summary :-

Semi-independent accommodation
 
3-4 bed houses
resident staff member

Personal mentoring

standard minimum 10- 12 hours of support
preparation for independence module (1 hour per week)
weekly medical & sexual health drop-in
access to individual counseling / therapeutic sessions

Employment & Training

weekly individual and group drop-in numeracy & literacy tutorials
work experience opportunities

Click here to email for more information