Doust House
Providing housing and support to young people 16 plus who are homeless or leaving care to prepare them for independent living.
Doust House is a supported housing accommodation based service which provides intensive short term accommodation for 8 vulnerable young adults and young adults leaving care aged 16-24 with complex needs. The support staff team comprises of 1 Manager, 3 Housing Support Workers and 1 volunteer. Each service user at Doust House meets with their allocated support worker at least three times per week. These meetings will be based around:
- Benifits
- Training
- Education
- Employment
- Budget Skills
- Cooking
- Health and Safety
- Tenancy sustainment
- Life Skills
Tenancy sustainment is an important part of the support provided at Doust House, this ensures that when service users are ready to move on into independent living they have the confidence to maintain their housing independently, preventing them from becoming in a homeless situation again.
All referrals for Doust House should be made via the local authority, Medway Council, who will then be assessed by the young person’s panel.
SHARE MY LIFE…
Sarah’s Story
Sarah came to live at Doust House in April 2009 because she was homeless. Since coming to Doust house she has engaged with her support worker to make positive steps towards independence. Sarah suffers with panic attacks and an anxiety disorder which prevents her from taking part in social activities.
With support Sarah was able to go on a day trip to the coast with other young people to Broadstairs and said: “it was a fun day and we all had a good time”.
Sarah participates in monthly house meetings where she is able to chat with other residents about the running of the house and any issues that they may have.
Sarah moved several times before coming to Doust House, she said “It is one of the best house I’ve lived in, I feel safe and secure and staff are always there to help and be my friend”.
