NEED SOME SUPPORT WHERE YOU LIVE?

Living independently can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time, or if you haven’t had a home of your own for some time. You might want support in practical things, for example because you are having problems with rent, benefits or arrears, or need help with budgeting and other skills. You might need someone to talk to about personal stuff, or to ask about other services that can help you.

If you need some help, for example understanding letters you have been sent, filling in forms, applying for benefits or sorting out bills, call in a Castlegate and speak to a worker. They can also help with your legal rights, debt problems etc.

Tenancy support schemes

Contact Castlegate for help, or to ask about the following schemes which can all offer tenancy support workers. This will depend on your circumstances, and where you are living. This might be in temporary accommodation through the Council, a permanent tenancy through the Council or a Housing Association, or in private rented accomodation. For any of the following you would need to be referred by another agency e.g. Pathway Team, Castlegate or a Connexions PA.

Foundation Housing run the following:

  • Independent Living Scheme, which gives support to young people 16–25 in Council, Housing Association or private rented accommodation
  • Teenage parent support scheme - for young mums or parents to be 16–18. You can get help with accessing accommodation as well as tenancy issues, coping with parenting, budgeting, going to baby/toddler groups and meeting others.
  • Probation Scheme - for probation customers 18+. You can get help with accessing accommodation as well as tenancy issues, budgeting etc.

York Housing Association run the following:

  • Scarcroft Project - which has support for 7 young people in temporary Council accommodation or in a permanent tenancy (Council, Housing Association or private rented)
  • Flexible Support Scheme – for all tenants living in Housing Association, Council or private rented accommodation.
  • Women’s Housing Project - which can give tenancy support to vulnerable women aged 18+ (and help with accessing accommodation if necessary).

York Pathway Team (Social Services) - if you were in care past your 16th birthday, you can contact them for information, advice and support about housing or any other issues until you reach 21.

If you are 16/17 and in temporary accommodation through the Council because you are homeless, you will need a support worker before you are offered a permanent tenancy, though this could be for example a Connexions PA.

If you are in temporary accommodation (at any age) you’ll have a support worker from either How Hill or Ordnance Lane. You should be referred by Customer Advice Centre. It's important that you meet up with them regularly otherwise it can affect your recommendation.

Council tenants can also contact their estate manager.

Introductory tenancies

If you are given a council tenancy, the first twelve months will be an 'introductory tenancy'. During this time you'll be visited by your estate manager to check everything's OK. If you are not keeping to the rules of your tenancy (e.g. by not paying rent, causing a nuisance, taking in lodgers, damaging the property or not letting your estate manager in to make checks) you can be evicted quite quickly, and will find it very hard to be re-housed. They should, however, offer support so that these problems get sorted out and you do not lose your place.

If the council write to you saying they want to kick you out you will be able to meet up and put your side of the story. Castlegate or HARP can help you with this but you'll need to contact them as soon as you get the letter threatening to evict you.