Subject: A partnership approach to delivering tenancy training courses for young people
Organisation: Kettering Borough Council
This case study focuses on Kettering Borough Council’s tenancy training course for young people called Move On, Move In. The course is managed by Kettering Borough Council and delivered in partnership with a variety of agencies who have all committed resources and worked together to provide this unique opportunity for local young people.
Background
In May 2006, the first Move On, Move In course began in Kettering. Move On, Move In is a tenancy training course for young people in the Borough. Since the course began there have been eight courses and 64 young people have successfully completed it.
The course is aimed at people aged 17-27 who have had problems maintaining a tenancy in the past, or who will be likely to benefit from some training and advice to help them make a successful move from supported accommodation into independent living.
The course
The course runs for six weeks and is held on a Tuesday evening between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. The course includes the following sessions:
- managing your tenancy (tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, anti social behaviour)
- home maintenance
- cooking and healthy eating
- money and budgeting
- first aid
- health (fire safety in the home, local leisure and sporting activities, age progression software package)
The success of Move On Move In depends on engaging and enthusing young people. The emphasis therefore is on providing hands-on experience and giving the young people the opportunity to interact with their peers and professionals in an informal setting.
The course tutors
Each of the course sessions is delivered by the most appropriate individuals and organisations for the subject in the Borough:
- managing your tenancy is delivered by the Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Officer and Accommodation Concern (a local housing charity);
- home maintenance is delivered by the Council’s Housing Maintenance and Investment Manager;
- cooking and healthy eating is delivered by Healthy Aspects, a local charity which promotes healthy eating;
- money and budgeting is delivered by Accommodation Concern;
- first aid is delivered by the British RedCross;
- health is delivered by Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, and the Council’s Community Services team.
The Council has found this partnership approach to be very successful. It has helped to keep the cost of the course low as many partners do not charge for running sessions because the course helps them to achieve their objectives of reaching socially excluded clients.
During the course young people also get to meet support agencies that will assist them when they have their own tenancies.
Partners not only help in delivering the sessions but they are also play an important role in promoting the course to young people and gathering referrals. Partners involved in this process include:
- English Churches Housing Group
- Northamptonshire YMCA
- Connexions
- Social Care & Health
- Local housing associations
Supporting the young people on the course
The majority of young people on the course are vulnerable individuals. It is important therefore to support and encourage them throughout the programme and it is essential that a professional person provides this.
Kettering Borough Council has a Service Level Agreement with Northamptonshire YMCA to provide a Move On, Move In Support Worker. This person is expert in working with young people.
The Support Worker speaks to the young people before the course begins-helping to allay their concerns about attending and she provides a familiar face when they arrive at the venue. The Support Worker also monitors the young people’s personal progress throughout the course. At the end of the course she provides a detailed assessment of the progress of each of the young people.
Specifically, the Support Worker:
- Attends every Move On, Move In session;
- Attends Move On, Move In planning meetings;
- Collates referrals to Move On, Move In from partner organisations;
- Meets with young people accepted onto the course prior to the start of the course;
- Writes an evaluation of the course.
On the day of the course the Support Worker:
- Arranges transport for the young people if required;
- Receives phone calls/texts from the young people who cannot attend;
- Contacts the young people who have failed to turn up;
- Offers emotional/practical support to the young people who require it (including helping students with reading/writing difficulties);
- Deals with any problems that arise between the young people during the sessions;
- Ensures the tutors are aware of any young people who have special needs.
Incentives
Young people who complete the course are given a generous amount of incentives. The Council believes it is important to reward their enthusiasm and commitment to the course and the incentives and presented during the last session at an informal award ceremony.
Once the young people have completed the course they are given a certificate, a £25 gift voucher, and a tool box full of tools they will need to maintain their own homes.
The course attendees are also given a meal at every session; this is usually a finger buffet.
Top tips
The Council’s top tips for running a tenancy training course are:
- Keep the sessions interactive and practical
- Be flexible during the sessions
- Ensure tutors are aware of the support needs of the young people
- Think carefully about the order of the sessions – have the least popular session during the last week
- Choose a venue which is comfortable and relaxed
- Ensure your partners are aware of the course so they can promote it to their clients
What has made Move On Move In successful?
The Council believes the course has been successful because of the following:
- Commitment of the young people
- Expert and enthusiastic course tutors
- Referrals from partner agencies
- Young Person’s Support Worker
- Support from the management team and members of the Council
Conclusion
Move On, Move In has not only provided training and advice on housing and health issues that will help prevent homelessness among young people but it has also helped them to build their confidence, increase their self esteem and encouraged team-working.
For more information about Move On Move In please contact Charlotte Smith, Housing Strategy Officer (Policy & Performance) 01536 534215 charlottesmith@kettering.gov.uk
Information correct at 7 July 2009
