The cartoon version www.thehouseproject.org

What is the House Project? The House Project is a collaborative business. I work with other young people and adults. Through the House Project I:   Have my own home and the support of a community for as long as I need it  Take ownership of decisions affecting my life, my property and the business;   Gain independence and the skills to support myself through the support I need when I need it   Take responsibility for keeping myself safe, looking after others and the project.   We wanted to give our young people better support into adulthood It’s a business that helps me to help myself I learnt to refurbish a house look after myself work on a business www.thehouseproject.org

Loneliness Care Leavers don’t always get the best deal Why go to all that effort? Care Leavers don’t always get the best deal No control over your life . Not having a home Because the alternatives to The House Project’s aims: Ownership Independence Responsibility Community aren’t great…. Not knowing how to manage on your own Being blamed for being irresponsible Loneliness www.thehouseproject.org

How did you get onto the House Project? The Induction was a challenge! But it was worth the risk that I might not pass My social worker told me about The House Project. I wasn’t sure about my future Sam was 16. Sam wasn’t going home; foster care didn’t work either. I met the House Project Team and HP10 [10 Young People] I liked it So I applied to do the six month induction… www.thehouseproject.org

I did it myself! I’m getting ready to move.. I worked with a group: What did you do on the six month induction? I’m getting ready to move.. I worked with a group: I cooked a meal for everyone. I did a residential. I did 50 hours refurbishing a house. I raised money and ran an event. I put proposals to the House Project Board HP HQ I did it myself! After 6 months I passed induction. I was a full project member! I did a risk assessment with the Project and safety plan with Sam and the HP. It was a lot of hard work. www.thehouseproject.org

I moved in just after my 17th birthday. What happened from 161/2 until you moved in? I moved in just after my 17th birthday. My House The HP found a place that was safe, near other HP members and the HP HQ. HP HQ I joined the HP refurbishment business. I managed the budget for my refurbishment. I painted walls and fitted the carpets. I was still Sam’s social worker. I worked with the carers and the HP team I carried on living in the Children’s Home www.thehouseproject.org

How is it going now you’re 17 and moved in? I’m getting on with my life My Future I’m living on my own but I’m not lonely because I’ve got the HP team. I get support when I need it. I visit ‘HPHQ’ – the office My House I’m doing a building traineeship and I want to do an apprenticeship. I am still the social worker but now the HP does the work of a carer or PA .. and more I am on the HP Board. We help make key decisions I am learning to cook and manage money with the HP team www.thehouseproject.org

I’ve got a future Ownership Independence Responsibility And now you are 20? Independence Ownership Responsibility I’ve got a future My House At 19 I didn’t need as much support, so I graduated from the HP Programme and joined the HP Community I’ve got a job and a partner. I’d like to buy my house one day. We keep in touch. I’m proud of what Sam has achieved for herself. But I still get support. I visit HPHQ when I need to. I mentor new members and I am still on the Board www.thehouseproject.org

£100,000 saved in one year This looks very expensive! My House When I was 16 it cost £150,000 for me to be in residential care… It costs far less than failure! That only cost £50,000 [rent and support] Because there was no alternative, I’d have stayed in residential care to 18 We spend on the HP what we would on supported accommodation for 16-17 year olds But instead, at 17 I moved into the House Project www.thehouseproject.org

Phase 2 – Co-development and Hub Fidelity of the model Gathers learning Stoke Cheshire Islington Staffordshire Warwickshire Solihull www.thehouseproject.org

Phase 3 Support for any new HP – young people pitch…. Hub Fidelity of the model Gathers learning Stoke Cheshire Islington Staffordshire Warwickshire Solihull New HP4 New HP2 www.thehouseproject.org