Your Journey
What to Expect
We want you to know that your well-being and individual needs are our top priority. That’s why each resident here has a support plan tailored specifically to them. This plan covers various aspects of your life, such as relationships, employment, training or education, health and well-being, and the support you might need to stay safe.
Your input matters to us, and we strongly believe in involving you in every step of the process. We’ll make sure you have the opportunity to contribute to your support plan during your stay. We want you to understand and be actively involved in all aspects of your support, empowering you to take charge of your own journey.
We value being active and engaged, and we ask all young people to work alongside their key workers on their individual plans. Don’t worry, your plans are confidential and won’t be shared with anyone else.
Your safety is really important to us and we will support you to try and understand what is safe, what might not be and come up with a plan around how we manage this together, along with your Social Worker. It is really helpful if you engage in this education around your safety and then use what you have learnt whilst out with friends and family or on social media. There might be times where you aren’t sure if something or someone is safe so your team of staff at home are available to guide you through this and help you if you don’t feel safe or are unsure.
Your Key Worker will spend time with you helping you understand the different types of relationships you have in your life and what these mean to you. If a relationship is important to you then we will work together to support this relationship and think together about their role in your life and yours in theirs. We can help you with family relationships and support contact with your family if there is a specific plan in place around this and your Key Worker will work hard to get to know the people that are important to you if you feel that would be helpful.
When it comes to financial matters, we will work with you and your social worker to come up with a plan that we all think will work best for you. We will help you understand your rights about your finances and help you understand how finances change when you become 18. Additionally, if you don’t have a bank account already, we’ll be there to help you open one.
We will also be here to help you access work or education, explore housing options, and determine the support you’ll need for the future. We’ll provide guidance on money management, tenancies, educational or employment opportunities, and, if necessary, navigate any legal proceedings or probationary conditions you might face. You can trust that we will always listen to your views, treat you with respect and like a young adult and our team is committed to recognising your unique value and strengths.
During your initial weeks here, we’ll assist you in registering with a doctor, dentist, and optician. We want to ensure you have access to essential healthcare services, as well as help you familiarise yourself with the local area, making it feel like home.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, fostering an environment where your needs and aspirations are valued.
General Expectations & Our Agreement
We want all young people to enjoy and achieve while they are here; every young person has an individual agreement that they sign up to before they come. We do this to ensure that young people come here because they want to and are committed to getting the best out of living here.
Like you, all young people who stay here commit to sticking to these rules while living here.
We all share a common humanity, and everyone, regardless of race, religion or gender, has an equal right to be treated with respect and consideration. It is our practice to promote tolerance for each other. If we work together, we can build a comfortable house where everyone is happy to live. There are no problems that are too big for us to overcome.
At a minimum, we expect everyone to abide by the following rules, which all young people agree to:
Equality
We agree that all people have equal status, rights and freedoms, regardless of gender. Discriminatory, abusive, dismissive or disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.
Behaviours
The following behaviours are not acceptable:
- Fighting, violence and aggression; Swearing at and/or insulting each other or staff.
- Bullying; Physical, sexual or verbal assault; Racial/religious abuse.
- Stealing – taking anything which belongs to someone else.
- The use and/or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol
- Smoking in the house or premises
- Inciting others to such behaviours
Religious Observance
Everyone has the right to practice their religion, free from persecution and discrimination. We do our best to enable and support your religious practice.
Staff Offices
You may not enter staff offices. Please knock and wait for a staff member to respond.
Cleanliness
To ensure the health, comfort and well-being of everyone, you are expected to keep yourself, your room and communal areas, such as the lounge, kitchen and corridors, clean and tidy, and treat the house with consideration and respect. You will participate in a communal rota to keep the place clean and tidy.
T.V.
The television in the lounge is for everyone to enjoy, or you may choose to watch the T.V. in your flat.
Education, Training or Employment
You are expected to participate in your education, training or employment programme as agreed at the beginning of your license agreement.
Consequences
We know that everyone messes up sometimes, but there are consequences for breaking house rules and agreements, and these will be agreed upon with you as part of your plan.
Protecting You
If any staff member becomes concerned that your behaviour suggests you may need protection or may present a risk of harm to other young people, they will follow our safeguarding procedures. This will involve contacting your social worker and others involved with your support. If safeguarding procedures are necessary, we will talk this through with you and discuss what we will do together to help keep you safe.
Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on the premises. If you are found to have drugs or alcohol on the premises this will be regarded as a breach of your agreement and will be dealt with under our disciplinary procedure. It may also be necessary for the police to be involved where drugs are brought into the premises.
Criminal Behaviour
The staff team will not accept any criminal behaviour from young people or visitors on the premises. The police will usually be contacted for behaviour that is not terminated at the request of staff and is deemed to be putting you, someone else or the property at risk of harm or damage.
What happens if you decide to break your agreement?
Your agreement is part of our process for making sure everyone who lives here receives the support they need. If you break your agreement, we will discuss this with you and allow you to put things right. We will work with you to plan how you can behave differently with support from the staff team.
Licence Agreement
You will need to sign a licence agreement while staying at the unit. The licence agreement defines the expectations of what we expect from you and circumstances under which it might be terminated. Your key worker will go through this with you in depth on the day you arrive.
Your Support Plan -
Reaching Your Goals
Your social worker has already created a Pathway Plan that highlights the goals you hope to achieve during your stay with us. This plan serves as an essential foundation for us to support you effectively.
To ensure we can help you reach those goals, we’ll work closely with you to develop a personalised support plan. Your key worker will explain this process in more detail during your stay. It’s important to note that your input and collaboration are crucial in shaping the support plan. Your key worker will actively involve you in putting together the plan, as it revolves around your unique needs, aspirations, and preferences.
Remember, the support plan is all about you! Your thoughts, dreams, opinions, and wishes matter. By working together it aims to provide you with the support you need to achieve great things.
The support plan will outline what lies ahead and the steps we need to take together to achieve your goals. It will encompass the assistance and support you require, your desired outcomes, and any necessary changes that can help foster your growth and well-being. It may also address potential risks or behaviours, ensuring that we create a safe and nurturing environment for you.
We want you to know that this plan is not set in stone. It can be adjusted and adapted as needed. Your key worker will regularly review and update the plan with you, ensuring it remains relevant and aligns with your evolving needs and aspirations.
Our primary focus is to support you in achieving your goals and creating positive outcomes. We’re here to guide, assist, and celebrate your progress every step of the way. Together, we’ll work towards creating a brighter future and helping you reach your full potential.
Activity Plan -
Aiming High
We want to ensure that your time with us is filled with meaningful experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
One way we achieve this is through creating an activity plan together with your keyworker each week. This plan serves as a guide to help organise your schedule and ensure that you have a well-balanced routine. It’s all about finding a healthy balance between your commitments, personal goals, and enjoyable activities.
Your activity plan will include important details, such as your education or work schedule, any upcoming appointments, and other responsibilities you have. We want to support you in prioritising your education and work while providing the necessary flexibility to accommodate your other interests.
Speaking of interests, your hobbies and the things you enjoy are significant to us. We encourage you to include them in your activity plan, ensuring that you have dedicated time each week to pursue and nurture those passions. Whether it’s painting, playing sports, writing, or any other activity, we believe that engaging in what brings you joy is crucial for your overall well-being.
Remember, this activity plan is not meant to be restrictive, but rather to help you stay organised and make the most of your time. It’s a collaborative process, and your input and preferences are valued. Your key worker will work closely with you to ensure that the activity plan aligns with your goals and aspirations, creating a schedule that supports your overall development.
We’re committed to providing a supportive environment where you can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Your activity plan will play a vital role in helping us tailor our support to your specific needs and interests. Together, we’ll create a dynamic and fulfilling routine that allows you to explore your passions, achieve your goals, and make the most of your time in our accommodation.
Education and Work -
Reach for the stars
We understand that this is a new chapter in your life, and we’re here to provide you with a safe and supportive environment as you embark on your journey.
At our accommodation, we have a shared agreement that all young people who stay with us will actively participate in education, training, or seek employment. Don’t worry, we’re not here to pressure you, but rather to help you identify where you currently stand in terms of education, training, or employment, and figure out what areas you might need some extra support in.
Before you join our community, we’ll work together to create an agreement that outlines the specific ways in which we can support you. Our ultimate goal is to assist you in achieving the best possible outcomes in education, training, or employment. We genuinely want to see you succeed and reach your goals. Whether you have aspirations for further education, specific training, or a particular job, we’ll be by your side, cheering you on every step of the way.
We also understand that challenges and obstacles might arise along your journey, but please know that you won’t have to face them alone. We are here to provide you with the necessary guidance and assistance to overcome any barriers you might encounter. We believe in your potential and will do everything we can to help you unlock it.
Remember, this is a place where you can grow, learn, and thrive. We’re excited to be a part of your support system, and we’re confident that together we can create a brighter future for you.
Daily Progress
& Recording Your Journey
We want to ensure that your time in our supported accommodation is well-documented and that your progress and achievements are recognised. That’s why our staff members keep a daily diary that captures important details about your day-to-day experiences.
In the daily diary, we record your activities, accomplishments, and attendance in employment, training, or education. It’s a way for us to track your progress and share updates with your social worker. This allows them to stay informed about how your week is going and the positive steps you are taking.
At the end of each week, you’ll have the opportunity to review your diary with your key worker. This is your chance to provide any additional comments or reflections you want to be included. Your key worker will actively listen and make sure your voice is heard.
It’s important to note that the daily diary is just one of the documents we keep. We understand that you may have questions or curiosities about the other records we maintain. That’s why we encourage open communication with your key worker. You can discuss all the records we have and explore how you can access and review them. Your key worker will be there to provide guidance and support, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the documentation and how it relates to your progress and support.
We believe in transparency and want to empower you to actively participate in your own journey. Our goal is to create an open and supportive environment where your achievements and growth are acknowledged and celebrated.
