The Lodge, a partnership between MSV Housing and Manchester City Council providing semi – independent homes for 30 young people in care aged 16-17, was officially opened today with Councillor Gavin White and Councillor Garry Bridges.
Support workers at The Lodge have been building relationships with vulnerable young people to support them in developing the life skills they need to live independently, giving them access to training and counselling. Community landlord MSV Housing has worked closely with Manchester City Council and Childrens’ Services to achieve the best support possible for these young people through a holistic approach, to help them move their lives forward positively.
Since doors opened in May 2022, The Lodge has played an important role and provided a catalyst for positive change for the residents.
Kelly* had experienced a lot of instability and upheaval, which had led to a mistrust of professionals in the past. They also struggled with mental health and anxiety issues, which meant that attending support sessions or appointments independently was impossible at first. Kelly took some time to settle but over time, having got to know the staff and residents better, progressed amazingly and was able to attend appointments independently. Kelly took part in Manchester Pride with MSV and rode on the float, a fantastic achievement as they do struggle with being in large groups of new people. Kelly’s self-confidence grew during their time here and their independence skills progressed to the point where they no longer needed the level of support The Lodge provides.
Antonio* was supported to enrol onto Street League summer sports camp which he committed to throughout the summer, gaining new friendships along the way. He also gained 4-weeks work experience at KFC where he started to earn money independently. Antonio became a member of Greater Manchester Youth Network where he took part in a 15-week skiing course. Antonio’s English language also improved massively, he progressed onto ESOL level 3 at college, and is currently searching for more work experience opportunities.
Previously a disused student accommodation block in Hulme, The Lodge has been renovated to incorporate 7 stylish shared living and kitchen spaces and 30 en-suite bedrooms. MSV have invested £3,395,271 in the scheme, with £948,000 grant funding from Homes England.
The Lodge builds on MSV’s experience delivering 2 existing Foyers in Manchester and Blackburn for young people aged 16 – 25 which offer safe, supportive accommodation for young people to live and flourish and a care leaver scheme in Moss Side. 71 out of the 82 young people MSV supported in 2021 – 2022 went on to University or other formal education, or found employment or volunteering opportunities.
Demand for supported accommodation is steadily rising, and the project is part of Children Services Reform Partnership Programme, established by Manchester City Council to develop a range of provisions for the over 16s in partnership with ethical providers. The scheme also aligns with the Greater Manchester Care Leavers Pledge which has been signed by Local Authorities and Housing Providers across Greater Manchester (GMCA and GMHP).
Cllr Garry Bridges, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: “This is a really welcome development as we know that we need more homes available to young people in the city leaving care, providing them a supportive, safe and secure home to flourish at an incredibly important – and potentially vulnerable - time in their lives.
“MSV have a proven track record delivering this type of housing and through our partnership it’s brilliant to welcome The Lodge, which can accommodate and support 30 more young people starting out in life.
“And the results speak for themselves - 71 of 82 young people at previous schemes have either gone on to university or other education, found employment or are volunteering. This just shows the positive impact this type of accommodation can have on our young people leaving care.”
Charlie Norman, CEO for MSV said: “The Lodge is already creating exciting opportunities for the young people living here. It provides much needed new homes and support, with just the right levels of independence, so the residents living here can work towards achieving their goals in life. We can only do this by working closely with our partners at Children's Services and Manchester City Council who share our vision for young people in Manchester.
“Working with at risk young people gets to the very heart of what we believe as an organisation - that everyone deserves a decent home and every young person should have the very best start in life with a safe home and the right support. We truly believe that creating an environment to flourish is the key to allowing people to take control of their own lives and destiny.”
Contractor: Jackson and Jackson
Employers Agent: CPC projects
*Residents’ names have been changed to protect their identities.
