The project, called Merstow Place, is a partnership with Wychavon District Council who have invested the money needed to fully refurbish it to an excellent standard, with consideration to it being located in a building conservation area.
Wychavon DC are also the landlord for the service and will be handling referrals to the scheme of young people who are homeless or at risk in the local area.
The scheme, managed by St Basils staff, will be a semi-supported project for young people aged 16-25 who already have at least some independent living skills, though they will receive more support and life skills training while living at the scheme to get fully ready for moving on to their own independent accommodation.
The project consists of 8 rooms with communal facilities, 2 have their own ensuite bathrooms and there are 2 additional self-contained flats, all within the same building. The one-bed self-contained flats will be available to young couples or families as well as singles.
There’s a large 2 station kitchen opening on to a communal dining area and lounge which will also provide a training kitchen for the young people who, with support, will be learning how to cook for themselves as part of St Basils life skills programme. There are also three shared bathrooms with additional toilets, a utility room with laundry facilities and a lawned garden with patio area.
As well as life skills St Basils will also work with young people to support them back into education, work and training depending on what their aspirations and talents are.
Wychavon’s housing service will monitor the success of the project and it is expected most young people will stay up to 12 months before moving on.
Cllr Chris Day, executive board member for Housing, Health and Wellbeing said:
“It’s the first time we have done anything like this, and we’re excited to get started. The work done at Merstow Place will truly transform young people’s lives, keep them away from the streets, and give them the skills and confidence they need to live independently and successfully.”
Ben Taylor, director of Housing for St Basils, said:
“The complexity of the challenges young people experience when at risk of homelessness can’t be resolved by one organisation alone. This partnership will ensure that young people who need us in the area will have the support and resources they need to thrive and become successful members of the community.”
If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the Evesham or Wychavon district, please visit the Wychavon DC council website to fill out a homelessness application:
Preventing homelessness – Wychavon District Council