A new project in Peterborough is giving much needed support to care leavers
The House project offers support to prepare young people for independent living, managing finances and decision making
Last updated 29th Jan 2025
New support for care leavers is being offered in Peterborough.
The House Project aims to help young people leaving care to achieve successful independent futures.
Peterborough City Council is one of 24 local authorities in the UK and the only one in the East of England to set up the facility, as part of the National House Project.
We will be driven by their needs
The initiative is designed to put care leavers aged 16-18 in control of their futures by ensuring they have a stable support network around them for as long as they need it.
Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services, said:
"I've been in discussion with care leavers, and their voice is going to be at the heart of this."
"They can share their opinions on whether they think things are successes or things need to adapt."
"We will be driven by their needs."
"It will enable them to receive wrap-around support to develop the practical and emotional skills needed to live independently and to make their house their home when the move into their own accommodation."
"This is also essential to reducing homelessness among care leavers as experience shows that those care leavers who are equipped with necessary life skills and ongoing support have better, long term outcomes."
“We are fully committed to improving the experiences, outcomes, and lives of young people leaving care."
"These young people will benefit from not only gaining vital life skills but also the sense of community and support of their peer group, giving them the opportunity to succeed and achieve in their lives."
The project gives us opportunities that we wouldn't have in the real world.
Through regular meet ups and one-to-one sessions care leavers will be given advice and skills in areas such as employment, job searching, CV writing, interview techniques, completing applications and setting up business models.
Teaching life skills is a key aim of the project, with young people also learning how to cook, manage a household, understand nutrition, as well as budgeting and finance, including tenancy agreements and dealing with bills.
Benas is a 16-year-old care leaver. The house project is working with him to help him achieve his goal of becoming a pilot. He said:
"I feel like the project gives us opportunities that we wouldn't have in the real world."
"It gives us opportunities like learning how to run our own homes in the future, and it opens up doors to building networks."
"I will come here often to learn to manage my finances, budgeting, and even cooking."
Helping young people build positive relationships with each other and their communities is another key element of the support on offer at the project.
The venue will also be used as a Hub for all care experienced young people. It will be a place for young people to gather, have fun and find support across all areas including housing, money, mental health, and employment.
The Hub will offer a chance to speak to dedicated teams who have in-depth knowledge of care experienced people and the support they are entitled to.