Close Street provides Supported Accommodation for single young people aged 16 – 24 years.  The house is for both male and female Young People.

Young People must be referred to Close Street, and this can be from statutory or voluntary organisations.  Referrals are looked at individually and then an interview is arranged for the young person.  The young person can bring someone with them to the interview; this can be the person who referred them, a family member or a friend.  The interview is quite informal and it gives the young person a chance to have a look around, meet the staff and to get an idea of what Close Street is about.

The Staff.

Close Street is staffed 24 hours during the week and from 4pm on a Saturday and Sunday. All Staff are full time.  

Staff begin their shift at 9am and work till 5pm and another member of staff will come in and work from 4pm to 12 midnight.  Staff sleep in the project, so they are always on hand for any one who needs them. All staff work on a full time basis so you will see quite a lot of them!

Amanda Latimer 
(Manager)

Liz Paton 
(Senior Project Worker)

Fiona Pattinson 
(Project Worker)

Viv Cook 
(Project Worker)

 
Angie Boyle 
(Floating Support Worker)

Caroline Short 
(Floating Support Worker)

Caroline works on a part time basis.  Caroline accepts self referrals or referrals from agencies for young people aged 16-25.  She works with people either in their own tenancies or actively seeking to move into independent living.

The Services.

Keyworking - Each young person will receive a keyworker who works on a one to one basis with him or her.  As every young person is an individual, the support we offer depends on their particular need.

During keyworking, both the young person and the keyworker will work towards drawing up a realistic support plan.  Once the support plan is in place the young person along with the keyworker will work towards completing goals in order to move on to independent living.  Keyworking also gives the young person the chance to discuss any problems or personal issues.  All information that is discussed with either the keyworker or any of the staff team is kept confidential.

We also provide advice and support on the following:  

Daily Living Skills - Staff help the young people to learn to cook basic meals on a budget, meal planning on a budget and shopping.  Staff also can offer support in cleaning, washing and ironing.

Benefits Advice - Close Street staff can inform residents on the most suitable benefits and will assist the young person to complete any relevant forms.  Staff can also help set up appointments and attend if necessary.

Budgeting - Young people often need help to budget their money, especially if this is the first time they have lived away from a home environment.  Staff can support the young person with budgeting and point them in the right direction with regard to shopping and living on a low income.

Emotional Support - Staff are there to listen to the young person and their problems and offer advice and support, and if necessary refer them to the relevant agencies.

Health Issues - Staff can help the young person register with a doctor, dentist, opticians, drug workers or any other agency.  Staff will also attend appointments with the young person if they so wish.

Attend Appointments - Staff are always available to attend appointment with the young people.  This could be for health appointments, benefit appointments or court cases etc.

What Goes On.

House meetings take place on a regular basis.  This is where the young people get together with staff and discuss issues in the house.  This gives the young people a chance to get their views across and also for staff to take the young peoples ideas into consideration.  Refreshments i.e pizza or chips are always provided by staff so it also gives staff and residents a time to enjoy a meal together.

Video Nights - Staff take a few of the young people to chose a video and some popcorn and enjoy a night in.

“Staff are always there when you need them.  Close Street felt safe and secure.  I lived in Close Street for 6 months then moved into my own flat.  This did not work out but Close Street still helped me.  Now thanks to them I live in my own flat and receive support from staff in Close Street.” 

Leanne aged 17. 

“I have lived at Close Street for four months and it has gave me the confidence and the ability that I needed and it has also gave me the support that I need.  The staff are brilliant as they always spend time with me if I need them”.  

Tanya aged 17.

“I came to Close Street in February 02 and have lived here for 9 months, but you can stay for up to two years.  The staff are great and really supportive, and care about you.  Close Street is really excellent and there are good residents here who look after each other.  Close Street leads to independent living where you will still receive support.” 

Gemma aged 18.

Close Street Drop in Centre For More Information Click Here.