Drum Housing, Connexions And East Hampshire District Council Working Together.

Drum Housing Association's Poppy House is a supported housing project that provides accommodation to vulnerable single homeless people or those threatened with homelessness aged between 16 and 65 years old. The four units of accommodation are open to individual's with a local connection to East Hampshire, and all are referred to the project by East Hampshire District Council's Housing Options and Advice team.

Each individual living at Poppy House meets regularly with a support worker, and support is available for a maximum of 2 years. They are responsible for their own rent (support is available when making Housing Benefit applications) and they are also responsible for the purchase of their own food and clothing and pay a service charge which contributes to utilities and the upkeep of all communal areas.

One 16 year old was referred to Drum Housing by East Hampshire District Council after ongoing difficulties at home. They were asked to leave the family home as there wasn't enough space and arguments ensued. After trying to live with other family members they eventually looked for help from East Hampshire District Council and were referred to Poppy House.

Having never lived on their own before they found it difficult, but after receiving regular support from both Drum Housing and Connexions they were able to adjust. Developing a support plan was an integral part of this support, and enabled them to prepare for full independent living and also helped them gain a place on a local training scheme.

They have now attended E2E (entry into employment training course) which enabled them to pass First Aid and Safety Certificates and key ICT skills, as well as attending a recent DIY maintenance course.

"While on the E2E course I also passed my "breakthrough to excellence" certificate which helped me a lot with building my confidence. Being at Poppy House helped me mature and be more responsible e.g. paying bills and taking life a bit more seriously. My dream job is to be an electrician or mechanic and I can actually see myself achieving this now. Things are looking quite positive for me now."

Drum Housing helps to support individual's in partnership with Connexions, working together to ensure the needs of each individual are met. For more information please go to the 'supported housing' section at www.drumhsg.co.uk/ or www.hants.gov.uk/youthtube for Drum's local partner, Hampshire Connexions, a support service that offers young people age between 13-19 (and up to 25 with special needs) advice and guidance on a wide range of problems they face.