New accommodation opens later this month for young adults ready to leave council care thanks to a charitable trust’s £500,000 investment.
Last year Andrews Charitable Trust (ACT) chose to invest in buying and leasing a new property to CAYSH, a specialist young people’s organisation commissioned by the council to support young people aged 18-25 who are leaving the council’s care services.
The investment has allowed ACT to buy a three-bedroom house in Purley, which will become home to three care leavers who are ready for this final step to independence. CAYSH will provide employment-focused support, while the council’s Gateway service will also help the residents to improve their independence, maximise their job prospects and avoid debt.
Andrews Charitable Trust, which has already invested in similar housing in Sutton and Bristol, owns the nationwide estate agency Andrews Property Group, and CAYSH is a London-based outreach charity that works to help young people avoid homelessness.
The council has almost 800 care leavers whom it supports into accommodation, from providing references to finding an approved landlord and help into work or training. This can also involve offering a month’s rent in advance and deposit to get care leavers into appropriate accommodation, and help finding them furniture.
“Finding a welcoming, secure and affordable home is crucial for young adults when they are ready to leave the council’s care and increase their independence.
“This generous investment by Andrews Charitable Trust will make a real difference to Croydon young people, and this home will be a great stepping stone for them with continuing tailored support from the council-funded CAYSH service.”
Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and Gateway services
David Westgate, Group CEO at Andrews Property Group, said: “The fact that we’ve now got three homes up and running, with more in the pipeline, just goes to show how focused the entire team is to making this a success. Our commitment at Andrews to ensuring that our staff and customers alike are invested in the social purpose for which we were first established is strong, and launching another home for Croydon Council care leavers underpins that.
“But this is not just a case of providing young people with a home; we want to offer them with wider support that encompasses everything from skills development, training and advice on career options, through to how to approach issues around personal finance and other aspects of independent living.”
Ann Tighe, Chief Executive of CAYSH, said: “What Andrews Property Group and Andrews Charitable Trust do together is a true example of social philanthropy making a tangible difference.
“It’s been a pleasure to partner with them over the past year and knowing that we’ll now be able to help more young people with the launch of this new home is something we’re all very excited about.”
