Riverside ECHG - Young, homeless Ipswich mums back on track

6 May 2010

Young, pregnant and homeless – that was the position Joely found herself in four years ago. But fast-forward to today and Joely has a home, a new career, a happy 4-year-old daughter and new-found confidence – thanks to help from the Ipswich arm of Riverside ECHG, an award-winning provider of supported housing. Joely is one of many success stories from Riverside ECHG’s Peppercorn Lodge in the Stoke area of Ipswich, a unique scheme offering temporary accommodation and support to up to 11 young homeless families or single parents at any one time.

Here, Joely found support, advice and a community of other young parents to help her through the early stages of motherhood and put her on the road to an independent life.

Kevin Scanlon, Riverside ECHG support manager for Ipswich supported housing said: “It’s our goal to give people the tools they need to get back on track. The team at Peppercorn Lodge work with each resident to put together a support plan as well as offering a friendly face and advice on any number of issues.

Whether it’s helping to build their confidence as parents, helping them apply for training courses, explaining their entitlements to them, connecting them with other local agencies, or offering fun, educational activities on site, it’s all about building the skills they need to live independently.”

Much of Riverside ECHG’s success is also down to its unique resettlement service. Residents moving on from Peppercorn Lodge are offered continued support to assist them with the new pressures of maintaining a tenancy.

Of those who moved out and received resettlement support, approximately 90% are still living independently.

Kevin Scanlon added: “The resettlement service is possibly one of the most valuable services we provide and makes the difference between someone making a success of their lives in the outside world, or having to re-enter supported housing.”

Riverside ECHG is committed to developing its schemes in Ipswich. Gibson Lodge, another homelessness housing scheme in Nacton, Ipswich, is set to be refurbished later this year. And Ipswich-based staff are working hard to develop better links with local agencies and secure funding to develop the educational and activity programmes they offer.

Later this year, residents at Peppercorn Lodge will be able to study for an NVQ in childcare with sessions held on site to overcome difficulties with childcare.

Plans to upgrade the communal living areas at Peppercorn Lodge and Gibson Lodge are also underway, with new toys, books and a dedicated reading corner at Peppercorn Lodge for mums/dads and tots.