Homelessness prevention by Settle

First tenancy support for at risk young people

The context

Research tells us some young people, especially care leavers, are more likely to experience homelessness and housing instability. We also know homelessness experienced at an early point in life can increase the likelihood of further homelessness later in life.xliii Moving into a first tenancy, usually on a low income, often earlier than their peers and with fewer strong family and/or social support networks around them, can place some young people at especially high risk of repeat homelessness.

This context underlines the value of exploring and honing what works in supporting first tenancies for at risk young people: something London-based social enterprise Settle has been doing since 2015.

The intervention

Having previously worked in young people’s hostels and supported accommodation, Settle’s founders noticed that despite the huge resources directed to these responses, many people returned to the system. They identified a gap for asset-based, youth-led, first tenancy support for people at high risk of repeat homelessness. The Settle programme, designed specifically for this group, focuses on three core areas: increasing income/reducing costs, improving life skills and accessing specialist support.

Settle takes referrals from local authorities and Housing Associations for young people just moving into their first tenancy or who are in a first tenancy and have been assessed as being at a high risk of repeat homelessness. Many of those young people have recently left the care, homelessness or criminal justice systems. The programme is voluntary and consists of 1:1 coaching, usually for between three to six months, but this is flexible if longer is needed. If a person drops off the programme, they can re-engage at a later point.

All workers are accredited coaches who work with people to set their own goals, fostering agency and trust, and celebrating achievement. People with experience of the care and homelessness systems sit on the Board and staff teams, whilst young people supported form part of recruitment panels and service design workshops. Having identified a need for greater ongoing support with work and social networks, young people are currently co-producing an alumni programme, which includes peer mentoring.

The outcome

In the past year (2020-21), Settle worked with 107 new young people. The programme, albeit voluntary, had high engagement rate, with 87% attending assessment continuing to work with the service. Settle had a 100% tenancy sustainment rate for graduates who they were able to contact six and 12 months after the programme. 93% strongly agreed they felt more confident managing their tenancy. Tenancy sustainment rates for pre-pandemic years have been consistently high (2019-20: 96%)

Many young people supported by Settle were referred by social landlords based on accumulated arrears during a first tenancy. In 2020-21 young people joined with an average of £1,194 arrears. Working with Settle, average arrears were reduced by £792 across the year. One referring Housing Association commented that they found young tenants working with Settle had lower arrears and fewer tenancy breaches after joining the programme.

Key insights

involving young people who’ve used the service in all frontline recruitment interviews has helped find workers with the right values and attitude: they spot things others miss
coaching, as opposed to tenancy support per se, focuses on the whole person, their strengths and goals, not just housing - but the knock-on impact on housing is high
managing a tenancy as a young person on a low income is objectively difficult – it pays to focus on overcoming systemic barriers, not reproaching young people who struggle in the system

Find out more…

Rich Grahame, Chief Executive, Settle
rich.grahame@wearesettle.org