Our Lead Worker Service supports young people to access the right services, develop practical skills for independent living and work towards a more stable future. Where safe and appropriate, we aim to prevent homelessness before a crisis occurs.
We recognise that homelessness is rarely caused by one issue alone. Young people may face challenges with housing, finances, family relationships, education, employment, health or managing day-to-day life. Lead Workers provide early, practical and personalised support to help address these challenges before they become overwhelming.
Accessing the Right Support
Every young person is different. Our Lead Workers take time to understand their circumstances, goals and strengths, helping them identify and access appropriate local services. This may include housing and homelessness services, benefits and financial support, health services, education, employment and specialist support.
Where several services are involved, Lead Workers can help young people understand their options, make connections and work with other professionals to ensure their needs are addressed.
Building Skills for Independent Living
Our support helps young people build confidence, develop practical life skills and take greater control of their lives. This can include support with:
- Managing money and accessing benefits
- Looking for work, completing applications and developing a CV
- Managing a home and maintaining a tenancy
- Shopping on a budget and planning and preparing meals
- Maintaining health, hygiene and wellbeing
- Registering with a GP and accessing health services
- Developing communication and social skills
- Building positive relationships and community or peer support
- Understanding responsibilities and making informed decisions
- Setting personal goals and working towards greater independence
Preventing Homelessness
Lead Workers can provide early intervention for young people at risk of homelessness or struggling to maintain their accommodation. Where safe, we explore ways to help them remain in their existing home or find a sustainable alternative.
This may include addressing issues affecting accommodation, accessing financial support or connecting with other services. The aim is not simply to respond to a housing crisis, but to help young people develop the skills, confidence and support networks needed to maintain stable accommodation.
Learning and Employment
We help young people explore education, training and employment opportunities that match their interests, strengths and aspirations. Support may include identifying suitable courses, colleges, training and apprenticeships; completing applications; creating or updating CVs; preparing for interviews; developing workplace skills; and connecting with local careers, employment and training services.
We can also help young people explore volunteering and work experience, understand workplace expectations and rights, and identify barriers to learning or employment.
Person-Centred Support
Our approach is individual to each young person. We work alongside them to identify their goals, build on their strengths and take practical steps towards greater stability and independence.
The level and type of support will vary according to individual circumstances. Lead Workers provide guidance, encouragement and advocacy while helping young people develop the confidence to manage things independently over time.
Our goal is to help young people access the right support, build the skills they need for independent living, pursue their aspirations and reduce the risk of homelessness wherever possible.