Homeless services to support young people in Kent

Sanctuary Supported Living has changed its provision in Kent. It will now provide support to young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, particularly children in care and care leavers.

East Kent Young People Supported Housing and East Kent Young People Floating Support have replaced the Kent Floating Support service, which previously offered housing-related community-based support to adults at risk of homelessness.

East Kent Young People Supported Housing is opening new services in Canterbury, Swale and Thanet.

The service offers a variety of shared houses, one-bedroom apartments and studio apartments, where residents will receive support to maintain a tenancy and build up the relevant skills and confidence to live independently.  

East Kent Young People Floating Support will offer community-based support to those who have already moved on from supported housing and young people who are eligible for floating support within the area.

Fiona Knight, area service manager, said: “We are looking forward to providing a quality service and working with agencies to support young people to move towards independent living.” 

Additional changes include:

• Church House in Faversham, which previously provided support for people with mental health needs, will now provide low-level housing support for adults who have been or are at risk of being homeless.
• Maidstone Housing Support Services for young people, which was based at Bower Mount Road in Maidstone, has now closed.

Sanctuary Supported Living’s Folkestone and Hythe Rough Sleeper Outreach service will also work with rough sleepers in the area, to help them leave the streets, access the support they need, and find secure and sustainable accommodation.

We are looking forward to providing a quality service and working with agencies to support young people to move towards independent living.

Area Service Manager, Fiona Knight