Surveyors at Leeds-based building and project consultancy, Projex, have pledged to help end youth homelessness in the region by donating their services free of charge to Sheffield youth homeless charity, Roundabout.
Projex is providing project management, cost consultancy and principal designer services on a pro bono basis to help transform a large apartment building on Glencoe Road, Sheffield, into independent temporary accommodation that will be used to accommodate and support six young people who would otherwise be homeless.
It is part of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor’s ‘Pledge 150’ initiative to support young people at risk of homelessness, which gave a £100,000 grant to Roundabout towards the facility.
Projex has also been involved in approaching a number of suppliers and sub-contractors to get them on board and provide services and facilities to get the project off the ground with a view to starting on site in March and the company’s associate director, Anne Sanderson, explains:
“We’re delighted to be involved in a project that delivers secure accommodation for some of the most vulnerable young people in our region. It is heartbreaking to hear some of the background stories and frustrating when we know that youth homelessness is a problem that we’re told can be solved. This is an issue close to many people’s hearts and the support we’ve had from specialist consultants, sub-contractors and other suppliers has been outstanding. We’re looking forward to getting started on site in March with a view to the first residents taking occupancy early summer.”
Ben Keegan, Roundabout’s chief executive, says: “This much needed facility will provide high-standard accommodation for up to 6 young people, giving them a safe place to stay as they progress towards independent living. Whilst here, they will have the opportunity to learn vital life skills, begin employment or training and improve their confidence and self-esteem. This project will be an important stepping stone for young people working towards living independently and moving on to their own tenancy. Projex’ assistance with this project has already been instrumental in getting this project started, and we are incredibly grateful for their valuable support.”
Roundabout is South Yorkshire’s youth homeless charity providing shelter, support and life skills for young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The charity works with over 250 young people every day, giving them the chance to turn their lives around by empowering them to break the cycle of homelessness.
It is intended that this new project will support young people who have gone through very challenging childhoods, perhaps experiencing early childhood trauma and/or are leaving the care system. They are part of the End Youth Homelessness (EYH) campaign, a national movement aiming to end youth homelessness in the UK.
