Independent living opportunities at our Future Builders homes

We offer affordable housing in Norfolk for local young people following the completion of a unique renovation project. The homes in North Walsham have been made possible thanks to the ‘Future Builders’ project which is funded by OVO Energy’s charity arm  OVO Foundation. The renovation has also received funding from LandAid, is part of the End Youth Homelessness national programme and is supported by several other organisations.  Future Builders gives local young people, many who have previously been vulnerably housed, the opportunity to gain valuable on-site skills and experience while renovating the semi-derelict homes.

Thanks to their hard work, there are now two, fully furnished three-bedroom homes which are available for young people, who are in education, training or employment, to co-live in at an affordable cost of £50 per week, which includes all bills.

The two Victory Housing Homes each have three bedrooms. Young people will have their own, secure bedroom, with a queen-sized bed and storage facilities, a shared kitchen, bathroom and lounge with a Smart-TV. The kitchen is fully-fitted and includes a cooker, washing machine, fridge and freezer. There are modern furnishings, fixtures and fittings throughout, a garden and that all-important WiFi.

Jasmine* age 19 is currently a resident in one of the homes and shares below how much she is enjoying it and how we have helped her to develop her independence.

“Living in a home supported by The Benjamin Foundation has had a really positive impact on my life so far. It’s been an amazing opportunity for me.” Jasmine explains.

“I have extended my job prospects, allowing me to start an apprenticeship due to the low cost of living here. It has also allowed me to develop a much better relationship with my parents and I enjoy spending time with them now where before we often didn’t get on. I’ve become much more independent and feel I’ve also matured a lot since moving in here, which a lot of people in my life have also commented on.

Jasmine continues: “I’ve gained a lot of skills over the past eight months since moving in, especially how to take care of a house and ensure it is kept clean and tidy, I am very proud of the standard of cleanliness we maintain.

Another skill I’ve gained is enhancing my cooking because I enjoy home cooking which I do almost every night. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if I was living with my parents as I wouldn’t be able to have the kitchen to myself.

I am very grateful towards The Benjamin Foundation for giving me this opportunity and would definitely recommend it to any of my friends or anyone in need of affordable housing.”

If you are aged 18-25 and would like to know more about living in one of the affordable shared homes in North Walsham to develop your own confidence and independence, please contact Julie Ashworth on 07884 650615 (Wednesday to Friday)

*Name has been changed