1. The cartoon version www.thehouseproject.org

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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…

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. £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 year olds
But instead, at 17 I moved into the House Project

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

11. 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