Building their way out of homelessness
12 JULY 2007:
TWO
young people chosen to take part in a pioneering Youthbuild housing project in the Harrogate district are inviting contractors, college lecturers, councillors and representatives from the Government office to view their new homes on Tuesday, 17 July.
Louis Ridgway and Ben Hay had to go through a rigorous process to get the opportunity to work on the conversion of a property in Mayfield Grove, Harrogate, which will become their new home.
The property was purchased by the Accent Group on behalf of the Harrogate Youthbuild Trust
(HYBT) which brings together a range of organisations including Harrogate Borough Council, Accent Group, Harrogate College, National Housing Federation (North) and the Golden Triangle partnership.
Louis and Ben were chosen because they were keen to get themselves on the job prospect ladder and have an interest in the construction industry.
They also wanted a home of their own.
It was obvious to the panel, which looked at a number of applications, that they would both be capable of meeting the challenge of building their own home and studying at Harrogate College.
They have been working alongside contractors to turn this property into three self- contained flats and the third flat will be offered to someone from Harrogate Council's housing waiting list.
As well as being paid a weekly wage, the trainees attend Harrogate College one day a week to take part in the NVQ educational programme.
Contractors working on the project have provided training placements for the trainees.
Once the work is complete, these young people will have the opportunity to move into the property and rent one of the flats.
Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing, says this is just the start of this pioneering project and plans are in process for the purchase of a second property and that Youthbuild Trusts offer a win win situation.
She said:
"Many of our young people go on to further education and eventually leave the district.
This means there are diminishing opportunities for young people who choose to stay here to learn a trade, earn a decent wage and eventually fund living away from home.
And whilst we may not have the same problems as inner city areas, there is a disturbing level of homelessness among young people in this district
"We are always keen to identify innovative ways of increasing the supply of affordable housing.
This has taken two years of hard effort involving partnership working between the public and private sector and I couldn't be more excited for Louis and Ben.
This is a great chance for them; possibly the best chance they will ever get.
I wish them every success and hope that they will eventually take up one of the trade professions for which this district is also crying out."
Andrew Toft, Managing Director of Accent Yorkshire and chair of HYBT, said:
"We are delighted to be involved in the Youthbuild project, not only to contribute to the opportunities for young people to get real work experience and move towards securing permanent employment, but also by providing quality accommodation at affordable rents for those in housing need in the district..
We wish Ben and Louis good luck in their new homes and look forward to housing more successful trainees in the future."
PHOTO OPPORTUNTITY:
11.00 am on Tuesday, 17 July 2007
3 Mayfield Grove, Harrogate.
The trainees will be opening their doors to show off progress todate.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Youthbuild is an innovative project not yet widely delivered across the country but the HYBT is drawing heavily on the experience of both the Leeds and Bradford YBTs, which have recently seen converted properties completed.
The aim of Youthbuild is to help young people aged 16 to 25 who have not achieved through traditional academic/vocational routes and are socially excluded.
Funding for this project has come from Harrogate Borough Council, the Harrogate and District Safer Communities Partnership and the Accent Group, Learning Skills Council, North Yorkshire Forum of Voluntary Organisations, Connexions
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Councillor Jean Butterfield is available for comment on 01423 770381.
Further technical information is available from Mr Alan Jenks, Head of Housing on 01423 556849.