Move-on Accommodation

'The Brighton and Hove private rented accommodation market, when compared to other parts of the UK, is both extremely competitive and expensive in terms of availability of accommodation and monthly rental costs.

Friends First are continually working with other agencies, landlords and letting agencies to work tangible routes into the private rented sector.

In 2007 the ethical investment company Green Pastures purchased a three bedroom house for Friends First to use and manage as our very first independent move-on property. 

The chance to live in semi-independence as part of a small community, being visited regularly by the Friends First Resettlement Worker, has proved an attractive ’stepping stone’ to those considering the move away from supported living.

The move-on accommodation is open to those who have shown willingness and a motivation to prepare for independent living. Prospective tenants are asked to complete an application with their keyworkers before being interviewed for a place.

Some of the areas the application process touches upon are:

• Weekly structure – Full and productive?
• Rental payments – Regular with no arrears?
• Warnings – What for, when, how many?
• Move-on lifeskill – Working through?
  
• Friends First history – Positive and purposeful?

The move-on property offers Friends First residents the option of a more staggered approach back into independence, coupling support and communal living with the mix of increased freedom and responsibility inherent with private rented accommodation.  

As well as managing our own accommodation Friends First works regularly and closely with local landlords, local letting agencies, BHT and B&H City Council.