Move-on Resettlement Support

In our experience the first 12 months after leaving supported accommodation are the most crucial. It is in this period when all the learning and experiences of the months and years previous are tested under the scrutiny of day-to-day life and the increased responsibility of running ones own home.

Moving on from a supportive communal environment to more independent accommodation will require a time of readjustment.
For some the struggle to adapt to independent living is both immediate and intense and regular support visits can be very important, whilst for others the need for continuing relationship on a less formal basis is more suitable.

Friends First offers a programme of move-on preparation and resettlement support for those who move successfully through their time at our project.

Over the last 3 years Friends First has sought, and obtained, external funding to allow members of its staff team dedicated time to focus on move-on planning, preparation and follow on support.

Some of our move-on and resettlement work includes:

• Move-on lifeskill
  Time to reflect on the past, prepare and plan for the future and negotiate the pitfalls   
• Rent deposit scheme
  The opportunity for some to have Friends First act as their rent deposit guarantor
• The Building Together project
  An opportunity for landlords to have their properties repaired and redecorated waiving the need for RIA, deposit and guarantors.
  An opportunity for the tenant to improve the property they will move into and to have a real stake in their new home.
• Move-on accommodation
  Green Pastures an ethical investment company, purchased a three bedroom house for Friends First to use and manage as our first independent move-on property
• Resettlement support
  Regular visits to those who have moved on from the Friends First house
• Resettlement Workers
  As well as providing support for those who have moved on from the Friends First house our Resettlement Workers use their time to negotiate attainable routes into the private rented sector, work with landlords and letting agencies and continually develop and grow our resettlement and move-on programme.