What we achieved

Of the 20 young people who were supported by AFC, none made homeless presentations. The majority received support around their family and current home environment which allowed them to remain in their family home.

One young person was supported to access shared living in the area and two young people were supported into their own local authority tenancies. All young people remained in education throughout and were supported to access appropriate welfare benefits.

Importantly, at the centre of this work was an expert group of local young people with diverse lived experiences of homelessness who were brought together in year one. The group have informed us throughout and have shared that a service being available while they were at school would have made a significant impact on their lives and experiences.

Alongside this feedback, we have received positive responses from school staff, pupils and families alike.

Creating and investing in relationships played a key part in the success of the WDC schools work. Investment in relationships with young people and professionals, evoked the shared belief that schools are where the potential for early intervention can truly be realised. 

This partnership between AFC and WDC schools has shown that even with the global challenges of the last two years, changes to policy, practice and mindsets were still driven and achieved. This was made possible through determination to respond to rapidly shifting environments and shared goals to make a necessary difference for young people.