Today’s the day BOOM!
Good luck to MACS Lisburn and Radius Housing at the Chartered Institute of Housing Awards 2019? They’ve been nominated for Best Housing Story. This award celebrates contributions that have made a positive difference to the life of a tenant(s) or community.
WE are all WINNER S no matter what happens tonight!! ??
~ Iain, Integrated Services Manager
#cihawards19 #housing #awards
“MACS identified a need for a supported living scheme in the Lisburn area after ongoing consultation with the young people’s services in the South Eastern Trust.
Longstone street was developed in partnership with Radius Housing and the South Eastern Trust and opened its doors to 9 young people in July 2016. There are 7 self-contained flats for young people who are leaving care or who have been homeless and aged 16 – 21 years old. The young people that move into the 7 self-contained flats can stay up to two years. There are also 2 flats for short-term emergency accommodation for 16-17 year olds who present to the NIHE as homeless. This emergency accommodation is provided to allow the South Eastern Trust time to complete a UNOCINI assessment.
The staff from MACS and Radius met with representatives from the local community on many occasions to get the community onboard this development given the stigma that can come with young people who are facing homelessness or leaving care. All the hard work and the community involvement and engagement have meant that Longstone street has successfully entered into their third year of being part of the Lisburn Community.
Longstone Street aims to support young people who for reasons such as:
- Facing homelessness;
- History of Substance abuse;
- Mental Health difficulties;
- Anti-Social Behaviour;
- Leaving Care;
- Marginalised and at risk;
- Experiencing low mood;
- Self-harm;
- Thoughts of suicide;
- Issues with confidence
The staff at Longstone street are there 24/7 to provide the young people with support and guidance to name but a few:
- Make sure they are getting the right benefits;
- Help with budgeting, shopping, paying bills;
- Personalising their space;
- Registering with GP and Dentist;
- Keeping safe;
- How to be a good neighbour and actively getting involved in their community in a positive way;
- Support to access training, education and employment
Many of the young people that present to Longstone street have become stuck and are engaged in negative patterns of thinking and behaving that prevent them from fulfilling their potential and leading the lives that they want to lead.
The staff and young people at Longstone street have overcome the negative views and obstacles that they were continually presented with when they were preparing to open, and have successfully moved approximately 90% of young people back into the community with the help, resources and skills needed to support them achieving their goals.”
Source: CIH website