Youth homeless scheme transforming lives
A supported youth housing scheme in Evesham has been so successful at transforming the lives of young people at risk of homelessness a second one is being created in the north of Wychavon.
Wychavon opened the project in August 2021 in response to increasing demand for homelessness support from young people aged 16 to 24, which has risen by 323% since 2018.
Youth homelessness charity St Basils manages the scheme. The aim is to support young people with challenges that put them at risk of rough sleeping or sofa surfing so they can move on to their own accommodation and live independently.
Young people with a local connection to the district and who have approached Wychavon's housing team for help are referred to the scheme, where they are given a range of support. This includes training on budgeting, independent living skills, education, and employment qualifications.
So far, 30 young people have been supported by Merstow Place, with 17 of these having worked through their issues and challenges to complete an accredited life skills course and move on to live in their own long-term homes.
Wychavon now intends to replicate the scheme in the north of the district and is currently in the process of buying a property in Droitwich Spa. The new scheme will be run along the same lines as Merstow Place. It will be managed by an external partner, which will be confirmed later, and there will be strict rules about who is allowed to access the scheme and behaviour while living there.
Cllr Rick Deller, Wychavon's Executive Board Member for Housing, said: "I've visited the Evesham project and met several of the young people the scheme is supporting. I'm proud of how, together with our partners, St Basils, we are transforming the lives of some of our district's most vulnerable young people.
"Working with young people before they end up on the streets or sofa surfing is not only better for the individuals concerned but makes better financial sense for us too. It is more cost-effective to offer support early on rather than try to help after someone has developed a complex set of needs.
"Demand for homelessness support from young people continues to increase, which is why we committed to investing in a second scheme in our We Are Wychavon Plan.
"The property we have identified in Droitwich Spa is in an ideal location with good access to services, employment opportunities, and transport links. We understand some misinformation has been circulating locally, which has caused
concern about the scheme amongst some local residents. We will be engaging with local people to explain the merits and benefits of the scheme and provide the reassurances they are looking for."
Date Published: 5 March 2025
Notes to editors: We are not naming the exact location of the property in Droitwich Spa or the price we have paid for it as the sale is still being completed. We will be providing this information at a late date when it is appropriate to do so.
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