Young people in supported accommodation across Hampshire and Wiltshire are seeing their rooms transformed, thanks to a national grant programme backed by Centrepoint and Nationwide.
Charity Alabaré has been awarded funding through the More Than a Roof: Personalisation Grant, part of Nationwide’s Fairer Futures initiative. The funding allows young people to personalise their rooms with soft furnishings such as curtains, rugs, bedding, plants, mirrors and decorative items, as well as practical electrical goods like lamps, kettles and toasters.
In total, 35 rooms across Alabaré’s supported accommodation will benefit, including Sarum House in Andover.
Kiah, a young resident at Sarum House, explained how much the support meant to her:
“I was very close to moving on and getting my own place and I was thinking, that’s really going to help me for when I move on. I managed to save myself so much money, that was a massive help to me, starting to live independently.
“When I found out we were getting the grant, I did cry a little bit, because it was like ‘someone else wants to help me out, someone wants to make my life a little bit better’ and it was really nice to see.”
The programme is aimed at young people aged 16–21, many of whom are leaving the care system or are at risk of homelessness. By helping them to personalise their spaces, the scheme gives them a sense of ownership, stability and dignity.
Charlotte Kensett, Director of Customer Experience and Social Impact at Nationwide, said:
“For young people facing homelessness, supported accommodation is a lifeline. Through Nationwide Fairer Futures and our partnership with Centrepoint we’re proud to make a difference to young people’s lives by helping them make their space feel like home – creating a sense of safety and stability that’s crucial for their wellbeing.”
Lisa Waring, Head of Partnerships at Centrepoint, added:
“For many homeless young people in supported accommodation, the room they are given may be the first safe space they have ever had. Having the opportunity to put their own stamp on these spaces and make them homely can make a world of difference as they work towards rebuilding their lives.”
Alabaré supports more than 3,200 vulnerable people each year, including adults, veterans, and young people in Hampshire and the South West. The More Than a Roof programme helps ensure those in supported housing can begin to build their futures from a place of safety and comfort.
The funding has also supported clients accessing Alabaré’s Parent and Baby service. To find out more about Alabaré, visit www.alabare.co.uk.
Hear from Alabaré and the young people themselves about how the More Than a Roof programme is making a difference, in this short video: