A Manchester City Councillor has offered her support in the launch of a pilot scheme aimed to aid homeless youth across Manchester.
Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council and Councillor for Chorlton Park, shared her support for the Early and Extra Help Service (EEHS) which was recently launched by Centrepoint charity.
The scheme will provide support for vulnerable 18-25 year-olds who have not approached housing services but are living in unsecure housing or at risk of homelessness.
The community-based service will include family mediation, housing advice, support navigating the welfare system and helping young people maintain their tenancy.
There will also be access to Centrepoint’s own Psychotherapy service, employment education and training support and Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
The EEHS will be widely accessible to through Family and Early Help Hubs, colleges and other hubs across the city.
Midgley, who was joined at the event by Councillor Julie Reid, said of the pilot scheme: “The aim of the Early and Extra Help and Support Service is to add extra investment to help young people further upstream before they get to the point where they need a statutory service.
“It will help them navigate often complex systems and processes and act on the advice they get. Ultimately, it’s about taking action earlier on to prevent homelessness.
“I am delighted that Centrepoint will be delivering this flagship scheme.
“They have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in supporting young people experiencing homelessness in the city and so they understand exactly what we need to do to try and prevent it.
“We are looking forward to working with Centrepoint on this new approach and look forward to ensuring that all young people have a stable and safe home in which to thrive.”
Centrepoint Operations Manager, Vanda Lowe said: “To end youth homelessness, we not only need to support those in crisis now but also look at what can be done to prevent young people from experiencing homelessness in the first place.
“Our new service marks another important step in Centrepoint’s own work to identify and develop solutions that support young people before they reach crisis point.
“Combined with our wider offering, we are ensuring that young people across the city are getting the support they deserve when they need it most.”
Centrepoint Charity was founded in 2017 and works with some of the most vulnerable young people in the city.
The non-profit organisation focuses on Centrepoint’s Rough Sleepers and Complex Case Service works with some of the most vulnerable young people in the city, and can connect them to further health, housing, employment, education and training support.
Locals can use the drop-in service on Oldham Street between 1.30 and 4:30pm Monday to Friday, where young people between 16-25 can access necessities like a hot shower, food and fresh clothing.
The free helpline can also be called at 0808 800 0661.
Main image credit: Joel Goodman
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