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Our mission is to create brighter futures for children and young people. We do this by providing fostering, residential and support services where children and young people can feel safe and cared for. We support them to make positive relationships which give them the confidence to succeed.
St Christopher’s is delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for a Homeless Link Excellence Award for excellence in co-production for our Staying Close project.
Staying Close supports young people transitioning from children’s residential care to independence by providing stable accommodation, life skills sessions and opportunities to stay in touch with the people they care about. Care leavers have helped to design and deliver the service so that it is properly suited to their needs and they have control over the support they receive to make sure they are ready for adulthood.
In keeping with the values of co-production, a young person helped with the award entry by agreeing to share her experiences of using the service and how she has been able to tailor her support as her transition to independence progresses.
Homeless Link are a national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who become homeless in England. They work to improve services and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness.
This is the first year the awards have taken place. There are six categories including innovation in housing, excellence in supporting people, best use of technology, social enterprise of the year, promoting diversity and, lastly, the category we are shortlisted for: excellence in co-production.
Chief Executive Ron Giddens said: “I am delighted that our Staying Close pilot has been recognised in these awards. Let’s hope we can go all the way and win!”
The winner will be announced on Tuesday 3rd July.