AS students up and down the country embark on a new academic year, previously homeless people are also being offered educational opportunities.
Homelessness charity Alabaré is helping young people to embrace further education, supporting 16 to 25-year-olds who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, across 70 supported living bedspaces in Wiltshire and Hampshire.
As well as accommodation, Alabaré said it provides pastoral and holistic support to build life skills, develop trusted relationships, boost self-confidence, and support their journey to sustainable independence, breaking the cycle of homelessness.
“That support includes encouraging engagement with education and training that suits individual interests and helps towards longer-term goals and aspirations,” a spokesperson said..
“Many young people staying with the charity in Salisbury, Devizes, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Andover have had a difficult relationship with education in the past, struggling to stay motivated and dedicated to their studies.
“For the current academic year, 40% of the young people supported by Alabaré are now enrolled in education or training, in full-time or part-time studies, or apprenticeships.”
The Gran Canaria cultural exchange trip with Eat That Frog CIC. Picture: Alabaré
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Alabaré’s supported Ellie into higher education
Among those receiving support from the charity is 19-year-old Ellie, who has been staying with Alabaré following a period of instability at home and exposure to substance misuse.
While she did sit her GCSEs, she didn’t pass any, which affected her confidence and willingness to engage in education, the charity said.
However, following support from Alabaré and partner organisations, Ellie has now begun a course in animal husbandry, along with classes to finally gain her English and Maths qualifications, at Sparsholt College in Hampshire.
“(Colleagues) helped me do the sign-up, helped me work out the buses and get into a routine. I’ve just completed my first full week, and I loved it,” she said.
Ellie has begun a course in animal husbandry. Picture: Alabaré
Alabaré services also offer young people the chance to increase their skills, employability and gain qualifications through wellbeing activities.
Alabaré cultural exchange programme to Gran Canaria
For the last two years, groups of clients have taken part in a cultural exchange programme to Gran Canaria, in partnership with the education organisation, Eat That Frog CIC.
In the lead-up to a 10-day visit, participants took part in courses with Wiltshire Council’s community learning team, to demonstrate their commitment and providing reassurance in their own capabilities.
They were ultimately awarded an Entry Level 3 qualification in personal development, which can support applications for work or further training.
Paula Jenkins, head of young people services, said: “At Alabaré, we’re focused on helping our young people to break the cycle of homelessness and, in some cases, education can be the key to unlocking more positive outlooks and outcomes.
“It’s fantastic to see an increase in the numbers enrolled in further education this year, and it’s a testament to colleagues within the supported living accommodation that clients have the confidence, ambition and overall stability in their lives to feel able to take on new courses and experiences.
“We’re also keen to continue the strong participation in our wellbeing activities across ALABARÉ’s young people as a potential gateway to further learning, as we’re finding that building skills in teamwork, problem-solving and boosting self-esteem are all vital in supporting a young person’s journey to independence.”
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