The Lighthouse Project is the only resource in Thanet that provides accommodation and support exclusively for 16 to 25 year olds. Staff work in partnership with statutory and other organisations, especially with the Local Authority. They draw up a support plan together with the young person and involve others who are working with them. The length of stay is up to two years.

If you need support and security, this is the place to be. You can talk to the staff here about anything, and they will listen to you.

Tom

Who is it for?

The Lighthouse is for people who are

• Single, aged 16 to 25, homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a local connection to Thanet.
• In need of housing related support (rather than solely or primarily a housing need).
• Willing to engage with support.
• Committed to working with staff to create and achieve a support plan.

Housing Related Support as delivered in short term accommodation ends once all the outcomes on the client’s support plan have been completed, even if this is before the end of the two years.

Our aims and objectives

• To provide Housing Related Support for up to 2 years.
• To promote opportunities for clients to access training, education and employment, including volunteering.
• To enable clients to secure or maintain a move on to independent accommodation.

Accommodation

We provide partly-furnished accommodation which offers reasonable levels of comfort, security and privacy.

It is broken down into first and second stage. There are seven flats in the first stage accommodation and three flats in the second stage. First stage is for when clients move into the service and need more support. Second stage is for those clients who show they have the skills to live independently and need less support. Once clients move into the second stage accommodation, they are expected to move on from the service.

Each flat shares kitchen and bathroom facilities, but each client has their own bedroom.

The ground floor is given over to training/meeting rooms and the main staff office. There is a separate common room for clients and there is a computer room which is used to assist clients with their education, training, searching for work and bidding on Home Choice.

Support programme

• Help new clients settle into their accommodation.
• Provide guidance and support with issues related to housing, including payment of rent and maximising income.
• Help clients to access a range of local support according to their individual needs.
• Provide practical support to clients looking for work, training or education.
• Help clients to develop the skills for independent living by assisting them with budgeting, menu planning and cooking.
• Assist clients in finding appropriate long term accommodation.
• Assist with the preparation and planning for the move and give practical assistance with the move, where needed.
• Where the individual needs continuing support after moving, help them to access this.

Referral, conditions of occupancy and further information

Please read this information before applying.
Click here for full details.

A referral form is available to download.