Lambeth Youth Housing Support Scheme wins prestigious award

Their Routes to Independence Pathway is one of three winning projects out of 35 entries and will receive a share of the £60,000 prize fund. The overall winner and prize money allocation will be revealed at a special event in December, presented by Baroness Louise Casey.

The innovative program has been designed in collaboration with young service users and expert housing and charities. The wide range of services on offer provides stability and support for young people in Lambeth to develop the skills they need to transition to independence. Services will be provided either in the community or in secure, good quality residences designed to meet their different needs.

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Leader Danny Adilypour, Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes, said: “Our Lambeth 2030 vision has made clear our commitment to proactively tackling inequalities so that all children and young people in our borough can have the best possible start in life and for everyone to feel safe.

“This award is great recognition of our dedicated team who work hard to ensure that Routes to Independence delivers the best outcomes for our young people.”

Cllr Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, highlighted the team’s work in the areas of prevention and early intervention and sees the joint pathway to support children’s housing and social care as “a testament to how targeted local investment and engagement really with young people they can drive transformative change.

“By actively engaging young people in this process, we not only address their immediate housing needs, but also empower them to shape the services that impact their lives. It is a powerful example of how listening and investing in our young people can produce positive and lasting results for the entire community.”

The awards encourage radical but practical solutions to homelessness and rough sleeping in London.

If you are a young person experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, you should contact the Housing Advice Team using the online form found here or call: 020 7926 4200.

If you are a looked after child aged 16-25 or a care leaver with a housing need, please speak to your social worker or personal adviser to request a referral to Pathways to Independence.