The Live and Work model was developed by St Basils and officially opened in 2015. The idea was simple. Develop an offer that helped young people to live, work, earn, and learn by providing genuinely affordable rents for young workers who may have been homeless or at risk of homelessness or unable to secure the resources they need to sustain a home and a job.
The scheme has received national recognition, winning the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Homelessness’ category in the National Housing Awards 2018 and ‘Homelessness Partnership of the Year’ in the 2020 UK National Housing Awards.
Phase 2 of the project opened in Sandwell in 2024, providing an additional 56 units of accommodation for young workers in the area. And, shortly, 80 bed spaces will open in the heart of Birmingham, ensuring that there is an affordable housing option for young people in the youngest city in Europe. Coventry will also have a live and work offer very soon too.
Our last independent evaluation of the model was completed in 2017. As the model has expanded and evolved since then, the time is right for us to gain a better understanding of how the model is working in 2025. This is vital as we look to influence and encourage others around the country that Live and Work is a model that should be adopted.
We are looking to commission a company to complete this vital piece of work. The below tender document provides all the information you need to understand what would be required. If you are interested to learn more please contact jean.templeton@stbasils.org.uk to discuss.