Their Routes to Independence Pathway is one of three winning projects out of 35 entries and will be awarded a share of the £60,000 prize fund. The overall winner and allocation of the prize money will be revealed at a special event in December, presented by Baroness Louise Casey.
The innovative programme has been designed in collaboration with young service users and expert housing organisations and charities. The wide range of services on offer provide stability and support for young people in Lambeth to develop the skills they need to transition to independence. The services will be delivered either in the community or within safe and good quality residences designed to meet their varying needs.
Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Leader Danny Adilypour, Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes said: “Our Lambeth 2030 vision made plain our commitment to proactively tackle inequalities so that all children and young people in our borough can have the best possible start in life and so that everyone can feel safe.
“This award is great recognition of our dedicated team who work hard to ensure the Routes to Independence Pathway delivers the best outcomes for our young people.”
Cllr Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children and Families highlighted the team’s work in the areas of prevention and early intervention and regards the joint housing and children’s social care support pathway as “a testament to how targeted local investment and genuinely engaging with young people can drive transformative change.
“By actively involving young people in the process, we not only address their immediate housing needs but also empower them to shape the services that impact their lives. It’s a powerful example of how listening to and investing in our young people can yield positive, lasting outcomes for the entire community.”
The awards encourage radical but practical solutions to homelessness and rough sleeping in London.
If you are a young person experiencing homelessness or threatened with homelessness, you should contact the Housing Advice Team using the online form found here or call: 020 7926 4200.
If you are a 16-25 year old Child Looked After or Care Leaver with a housing need, please speak to your Social Worker or Personal Advisor to request a referral to the Routes to Independence Pathway.
