There are different housing options available in Westmorland and Furness, some with support included and some without.
Ultimately, you will decide what accommodation to accept but we will be considering your needs and your level of independent living skills to ensure the accommodation offered to you is suitable and appropriate.
We will make sure that your views are listened to and accounted for throughout the process.
If you have any questions about different types of accommodation that you can access, your personal adviser will be able to help you find out more information.
Accommodation options
Supported accommodation (if you are aged 16-24)
If you find yourself homeless and have no other housing options, you may be eligible for supported accommodation. It offers accommodation, support and training as a package and young people need to get involved with the support offered, otherwise they can lose their accommodation. This is a short-term solution to homelessness that will allow you to live independently whilst teaching you independent living skills at the same time, such as cooking, cleaning, paying bills etc.
If you move into supported accommodation, you may be allocated a support worker to help you get through your tenancy. Tenancy training is also usually a part of the plan. You only stay in supported accommodation until you are ready to move on and your support worker will help you find the right accommodation for you.
If you succeed in your tenancy and decide to move on to a council tenancy (provided you are over 18), your band will be increased. A 'band' means what level of priority you are on the council tenancy list (A being highest priority, E being the lowest).
You will be given priority band as a care-experienced young adult in Westmorland and Furness. This banding may change depending on where you live so it is important for you to check this out with your personal adviser who will be able to offer you advice and guidance.
Homestays
Homestays act as a home environment that you can access up to the age of 21. If you move into a homestay, you will receive between 7-10 Hours of support a week. This support will be tailored to your needs to help you have the skills to move into independent living successfully.
Both you and your homestay provider will sign an agreement to set clear expectations. You must be in education, training or employment in order to access this support.
If you are over the age of 16, you may be considered for a homestay placement if:
- you have been in a foster placement but wish to move into independent living
- you are struggling in your current adoption environment
- you are aged 16-18 and seen as a child in need
- you are struggling to live independently
Staying put
If you live with a foster family, you can stay with the foster family after the age of eighteen for up to three years. However, being in Education, Employment or Training will help you access a Staying Put arrangement. You will enter an agreement if you enter a 'staying put' arrangement and can access similar support that is available if you entered into a homestay agreement.
However, your placement may change if you leave to attend University or join the Armed Forces.
Renting in the private sector
You can rent a room or a whole property by yourself from a private landlord. This is usually a someone who owns the property or a company that specialises in renting out property.
Property can be found by using the Cumbria Choice Lettings website.
For rooms in shared houses:
Financial support
Setting-up-home allowance
Whilst moving into your own place can be an exciting time, it can also be a daunting and expensive process. Your personal adviser can help you access up to £2000 which can be used to help you furnish your home.
How and when this money is paid will be dependent on how you move to independent living and is designed to support you through your whole transition. For example, if you move into a furnished flat more of this funding may be held back to meet your future needs.
This funding will include £25 for your first purchase of cleaning materials, your first TV license and a £50 first food shop.
You will be able to request any remaining funding that you're eligible for up to your 25th birthday.
Help with rent deposits
When you find a place to live, we can provide one month's rent payment in order to help you get started. In addition, we can provide £100 to support any admin fee that you may have to pay the estate agent.
You may also have to pay a deposit in order to secure the tenancy. We will support you by providing up to one month's rent towards the deposit in helping you put down the deposit. Your personal adviser will talk to you about private renting before any funding is agreed.
Emergency payments
Sometimes emergency or sudden costs can occur that you need to pay for. Although these need to be paid for these costs shouldn't push you into financial hardship. We will therefore support you with the following payments if you need them:
- heating and electric - maximum of £20;
- food - maximum of £30 (voucher or supervised spend);
- resettlement clothing grant - maximum of £100;
- cold weather grant - up to £20 in periods of extreme weather;
- emergency winter clothing grant - maximum of £50.
If you need to access these payments, you may have to undertake an assessment to understand your needs or budgeting sessions in order to help you not end up in a similar situation in the future.