51 Chelmer Road

London

E9 6AY

Tel: 020 8986 4308

Fax: 020 8533 1204

Homerton Space is a supported housing project in the London Borough of Hackney. The service has a total of 11 bed-spaces which are spread over two sites. The main building accommodates 7 residents and the staff offices are also based in this building. The second stage unit is a semi-independent house and young people progress to it when they are being considered for move-on.

The project offers medium to high support to young people who are aged 16-18 and who are homeless and at risk. Residents are supported with a Linkwork system to support their individual needs, life-skills training including education, training and employment needs, budgeting, and support to prepare them for independent living. 

Our staff team currently consists of:

• 1 Project Director
• 1 Senior Project Worker and
• 2 Project Workers and a Cleaner

The project is also supported by a bank of relief workers when necessary.

Project History 

The Hackney Marsh Team of Anglican churches originally set up the project in 1984. The need for such a service was identified through a local youth club where young people disclosed issues such as abuse, drugs, alcohol and family breakdown. Members of the churches explored the possibilities of working in partnership to turn the redundant vicarage in Chelmer Road into a supported housing service for local young people.

Newlon Housing Trust was approached and the partnership began. A voluntary Management Committee was set up, made up of selected members from the three local churches and people who worked in the field, to run the Project The first resident was accommodated in February 1986.

Our Referral Process 

The Project currently works in partnership with Hackney 16 Plus Joint Assessment Team and all referrals are received from them.

• The 16 Plus Team sends an Initial Assessment Record or a CIN3 Report about the young person they are referring to the project.
• An interview date will be arranged based on the above information being received and read by the staff who will interview the young person.
• Application forms are completed at the Project and are considered in line with Chapter 1's Admission to Hostels policy to assess whether the young person meets the eligibility criteria.
• Referrals who do not meet the criteria are signposted to an appropriate service that will meet their needs.