Between January 2015 and December 2017, Depaul UK ran the innovative Your Chance project in four local authority areas. Recently released research and an evaluation completed by Fiveways demonstrates the success of the programme.

The Your Chance project was designed to support homeless young people (aged 18-24), who were not in employment, education or training. The young people were helped to find stable accommodation and work, or to progress towards work. Two hundred and sixteen people participated in the project across four local authority areas – Greenwich, Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale.

Participants were offered intensive, tailored, sustained and accessible one-to-one support from a worker dedicated to helping them achieve stability and progress in their lives. The project was funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through a social investment bond. This meant that the cost of the service provided to young people was paid for by social investors who invested on a Payment by Results (PBR) basis

The Your Chance project exceeded its targets. By the end of the programme, of the 216 participants:

•              93% had achieved at least one accommodation, education or employment outcome

•              75% had sustained stable accommodation for 12 months or more

•              42% were registered on a course

•              26% had accepted an offer of employment.

In addition to these outcomes, there is qualitative evidence that participants also achieved additional outcomes in terms of improved mental wellbeing, increased resilience, improved relationships and support networks.

Read the full report below, or for more information please contact Daniel Dumoulin, Depaul’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager – daniel.dumoulin@depaulcharity.org

 

Read the Your Chance Evaluation Report here.