Living independently in Swansea
If you’re a young person at risk of becoming homeless or you’re already living independently in Swansea and need support, you’ll find information on services you can get support from below.
BAYS+
BAYS+ Youth Homeless Service supports young people who are worried about their housing situation or need help to live independently. We work alongside young people to prevent homelessness, maintain safe and suitable accommodation, and find the right housing options when needed. More information about our service can be found below.
Supported lodgings service +
- Provides safe, supportive, short-term accommodation for vulnerable young people aged between 16 and 21, in ordinary family settings within the community
- Helps these young people develop and maintain the independence and social skills they’ll need to make a successful transition to more independent living
- Encourages young people to make the best use of the learning, employment, social and recreational opportunities that are open to them
- Helps to enable young people to make and act on plans for the next stage of their lives.
Youth homelessness assessments +
- Provide assessments to all young people between the ages of 16 and 21 in Swansea under Children’s and Housing Legislation
- Assess young people aged 16 and 17 by using Signs of Wellbeing, and create an individual support plan to focus on preventing homelessness where possible
- Provide young people aged 18, 19 and 20 access to a housing caseworker to assess their accommodation needs, and to provide advice and assistance
- Support young people to access accommodation available to them if home support is not successful.
Home support service +
- Provides one-to-one support through mediation and restorative practice to encourage a positive family life for young people aged 16 – 21.
- Prevents youth homelessness by supporting young people to remain at home and repair relationships with their families
- Refers young people to relevant services and identify areas where they need support.
Education link service +
- Provides a visible presence in schools and youth clubs across Swansea
- Provides PSE sessions and lunchtime drop-ins as well as Evolve Youth Club drop-ins
- Creates awareness of the realities of independent living at a young age during sessions
- Discusses services available to young people and supports young people over the age of 16 to make appointments with the wider BAYS+ team.
Leaving care +
BAYS+ Leaving Care Service supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are, or have been, in care. Personal Advisors assist the young people with their transition to independence through practical support, advice and guidance. In addition to regular planned contact, the young person can contact their Advisor whenever they need support or are in crisis.
The Personal Advisor will often link in with local services to ensure young people get the support they need. Areas of support include:
- Budgeting
- Benefit entitlement
- Health, including general wellbeing and mental health
- Accommodation
- Relationships
- Substance and alcohol misuse
- Education, training and employment opportunities
Youth Homeless Helpline
You can also contact the Youth Homeless Helpline, which provides vital out-of-hours support for young people who find themselves without a safe place to spend the night.
The helpline is run by a team of highly trained Llamau colleagues and volunteers. They provide information on where to access safe temporary accommodation, and offer advice and support.
Helpline: 08000 495 495 (available 24/7)
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