What is Dispersed Housing?

Roundabout’s Dispersed Housing Project accommodates 16-25 year olds, in fully furnished, shared houses (with lockable bedrooms) and single person accommodation within the Sheffield area.

The scheme aims to provide secure, supported accommodation to young people, and is ideal for anyone that would like to live independently but who would like some support around developing skills (such as budgeting) necessary to maintain a tenancy.

How does the project work?

Once in the project the young person is given a named key worker.  This person will work with the young person on their resettlement plan concentrating on issues around maintaining a tenancy, motivation and confidence. The young person will be expected to commit to working with staff in order to secure future suitable permanent accommodation.

The ethos underpinning all aspects of the project is one of empowerment by encouraging young people to actively engage in their resettlement. Whilst at the Dispersed Housing Project the young person will be able to be actively involved in:

• Key working: meeting with key worker on a weekly basis to develop practical skills,
• Resettlement plans: agreeing goals and practical tasks to be completed towards resettlement,
• Activities: Budget and plan for activities
• Participation: this is encouraged at all levels including involvement in developing their own resettlement plan to the recruitment of new staff.

The dispersed housing project creates a supported living environment that practically prepares young people for independent living prior to them securing their own tenancy within the community. Alongside resettlement work, motivation and confidence building the Dispersed Housing scheme gives young people a taster of being a positive neighbour, housemate and citizen within the Sheffield area.

The dispersed housing scheme also encourages active voice and influence by delivering weekly participation sessions and joint policy reviews with other schemes in the organisations so young people can effect change at the strategic level.

How do I get Dispersed Housing support?

Applicants are accepted from young people themselves and any agency. The young person will be invited to an interview to discuss their support needs. If accepted they will then be placed on a waiting list and contacted when a suitable vacancy arises.