60% of the 16 – 25 year olds that come to live at The Y are not in education, employment or training. Most have gone through homelessness, mental ill health, family breakdowns or abuse. Those that start a job face a negative experience; low paid work causes benefits to reduce or stop immediately, leaving them in greater poverty after the rent is paid and waiting up to month for their first pay. These barriers prevent many young people from sustaining their employment and finding independence.

The Y will offer a rent bursary to young people already living at The Y when they start a job. This will prevent them getting into financial difficulties at a critical time. Living in one of The Y’s move-on houses, they will have security and the continuing support from their keyworker, helping them sustain employment and develop coping mechanisms for any issues they face. The project will also help residents prepare for work by delivering workshops, and providing a fund for interview clothes.