Ferry Project is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a £20,000 grant from Hopestead. This funding will support a one-year pilot program aimed at enhancing our services for clients transitioning into independent living. By employing a part-time support worker, we will offer vital assistance to individuals moving from our supported accommodation into their own flats or homes. This initiative ensures that we can provide essential floating support for those who need it, even after they have settled in their own accommodation.

As many are aware, recent changes to the benefits system can significantly affect individuals once they exceed 15 hours of work per week. This is particularly concerning as individuals may lose eligibility for crucial support services like ours. Our funding aims to create a safety net for those making this important transition away from homelessness, ultimately preventing the cycle of returning to homelessness due to the overwhelming challenges of job responsibilities and managing their own living conditions.

Recognising that every individual has unique needs, we anticipate the new support role will offer immediate, hands-on assistance during the initial weeks post-transition. Our approach will gradually shift to lighter-touch support, with regular check-ins moving from daily to weekly, and then monthly, tailored to each client’s circumstances. We are committed to providing in-person support initially, transitioning to telephone check-ins as individuals gain confidence in their new living situations.

In addition to our enhanced support services, we are excited to partner with WorkWell Fenland. This initiative, funded by Fenland District Council, offers free services to individuals facing challenges in finding or maintaining employment due to physical or mental health issues. Collaborating with like-minded organizations committed to ending homelessness allows us to make a greater impact in the community.

We believe that this funding will significantly contribute to creating lasting positive change, giving individuals a valuable opportunity for a fresh start in life.

About Hopestead

Hopestead is a charitable organization established in 2020 by the housing provider Flagship. Understanding that the housing crisis encompasses much more than just providing shelter, Hopestead is dedicated to addressing the comprehensive needs of individuals escaping homelessness. They focus on prevention, support, and advocacy, striving to stop homelessness before it can begin, assisting people in settling into their new homes, and advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. Guided by the principle that every individual deserves more than mere shelter, Hopestead emphasizes safety, dignity, and hope for all.

Together, with the support of Hopestead and our community partnerships, Ferry Project is committed to helping individuals achieve stability and a brighter future.