YWCA Yorkshire
YWCA Yorkshire in partnership with Sheffield Foyer (The Guinness Partnership), has been awarded a Homewards Fund grant in Sheffield to deliver an employment transition support programme for young people in supported accommodation.
The programme will address the financial barrier that prevents supported housing residents from entering work due to unaffordable rent costs when housing benefits cease. It will support a minimum of 16 young people over 12 months by temporarily subsidising rent to make employment financially viable while maintaining access to crucial support services.
Additionally, £1,000 grants will help participants transition to independent living, addressing furniture poverty and setup costs.
This initiative directly supports Homewards Sheffield’s action plan by removing employment barriers for young people in supported accommodation. The programme aims to demonstrate that work can be a pathway to prevent homelessness rather than a financial penalty, while providing evidence for potential policy changes.
Participants will receive mentoring, life skills training, and dedicated DWP Work Coach support throughout their employment transition.
“We’re incredibly proud to launch the Future Forward scheme with the support of the Royal Foundation. This funding represents more than just financial backing — it’s a statement that young people in supported housing deserve systems that work for them, not against them.
“With this funding, we can provide tailored, hands-on support that helps young people into work, improves wellbeing, and builds long-term independence. It also gives us the opportunity to gather the evidence needed to influence real change in the Housing Benefit system — one of the biggest barriers they face. For our team and the young people we support, this isn’t just a project. It’s a chance to be seen, to be heard, and to help rewrite the future.”
– Claire Harding, Project Manager, YWCA Yorkshire
Homewards Fund Grants
Four Homewards Fund grants have been awarded in BCP, Lambeth and Newport.
