Living independently in Swansea
If you live independently in Swansea Bay and need support, here are some good places to start.
BAYS+
Based in Info-Nation, BAYS+ is a partnership between Barnado’s Cymru providing services to young people that need support with solo living. You can find plenty of information below.
Supported lodgings service +
Aims are:
- Provide safe, supportive, short-term accommodation for vulnerable young people between the ages of 16 and 21, in ordinary family settings within the community
- Contribute to helping these young people develop and maintain the independence and social skills they’ll need to make a successful transition to more independent living
- Contribute to encouraging young people to make the best use of the learning, employment, social and recreational opportunities that are open to them
- Contribute to enabling young people to make and act on plans for the next stage of their lives.
Youth homelessness assessments +
Aims are:
- 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 +
Aims are:
- Provide one-to-one support through mediation and restorative practice to encourage a positive family life for young people aged 16 and 17 years
- Prevent youth homelessness by supporting young people to remain at home and repair relationships with their families
- Refer young people to relevant services and identify areas in which they need support.
Education link service +
Aims are:
- Provide a visible presence in schools and youth clubs across Swansea
- Provide PSE sessions and lunchtime drop-ins as well as Evolve Youth Club drop-ins
- Create awareness of the realities of independent living at a young age during sessions
- Discuss services available to young people and to support young people over the age of 16 to make appointments with the wider BAYS+ team.
Leaving care +
Aims:
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 agencies to ensure the young person gets 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
Contact info +
Call: 01792 460007
Email: bayspartnership@barnardos.org.uk
Address: Bays+ @ Info-Nation, 47 The Kingsway, Swansea. SA1 5HG
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: tel:08003280292
Monday to Thursday: 5pm – 9am
Over the weekend: 5pm Friday until 9am Monday.
Visit Llamau