Transitions are tricky; whether it’s starting college or a new job or meeting new people. The first step into living independently can be the hardest transition of all, and being able to secure, afford and sustain a tenancy can prove very challenging.
The typical barriers facing young people trying to transition to independent living are:
- The availability and affordability of housing
- The cost of renting alongside paying for utilities and food
- Eligibility for social and private sector rental
- The legal obligations a tenancy entails
- Knowledge of the benefits system
- Knowledge of private and social rented sector, especially how to source housing
- The responsibilities associated with a tenancy
- Building links and support networks within local communities
- Reluctance from some private sector landlords to accommodate young people or accept benefit payments
- Anxiety around leaving a supportive setting and taking a step back with progress made
The Benjamin Foundation’s Tenancy Transition Service extends the ladder of support provided, enabling young people to make the transition and sustain their upward progress towards fully independent living. The service provides young people with the practical, one-to-one support they need to source, secure and sustain a tenancy. Dedicated Tenancy Transition Workers accept referrals from our Supported Accommodation and surrounding organisations as well as self-referrals from young people in need. Often these referrals also require support from our Rent Deposit Scheme to help with initial one-off costs of rent in advance, or for deposit payments.
The Tenancy Transition workers will visit the young people when they move in and help set them up with their utilities accounts, access any benefits they may be entitled to and help mediate any teething problems regarding the property with the landlord or letting agency. They can also signpost to further services such as health service providers, and our Job Coach for further education and training. They have access to various grants and funding pots that The Benjamin Foundation have been awarded, or have fundraised, to also help with energy and food bills.
The Tenancy Transition Service sits under the wider umbrella of the Tenancy Transition Team, including the Rent Deposit Scheme. Both services under the Tenancy Transition Team are funded by EveryYouth and work closely with parallel projects across the country.
For more information, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
