Stonham is a national organisation and is one of several providers of supported housing in Oxfordshire.

Funding from the Supporting People Team in Oxfordshire County Council allows us to offer housing-related support to some of the most vulnerable and socially-excluded members of our communities. The support we offer reduces the risk of tenancy breakdown and homelessness and helps people to build secure and independent futures.

Offering support One of the ways in which we support people is to offer safe and secure accommodation, with a skilled staff team who meet with our clients on a regular basis.

These meetings focus on setting and reaching goals, and we are always looking for different ways to work with other agencies and services to offer new opportunities and promote aspirations with our clients.

The support on offer covers a wide range of issues, from finances, tenancy issues and education, to coping skills, relationships and mental wellbeing.

Services for young people Within Oxfordshire we already offer a number of services for young people, including young parents. One of these is Lucan House, based in Bicester where four young mothers and their children share a house and work towards their independence.

Improving prospects Just over two years ago, Karon Sirett, the project worker at Lucan House, began a new initiative with the clients. It has been hugely successful in raising self-confidence levels, and can provide the young women with a nationally recognised qualification.

The Bicester Young Parent Group runs at Bicester Children’s Centre for young parents who wish to socialise and share experiences. Through guided sessions they achieve the goals they have set themselves.

As co-facilitator of the sessions, Karon responded when the clients expressed a wish to attend college.

She immediately spotted an opportunity to capitalise on the relaxed environment and enjoyable sessions as a perfect setting for some learning.

She worked jointly with the Children’s Centre Worker, Jo Allen, to discuss with Oxford and Cherwell Valley College how this could be put into practice. Now they run some structured learning sessions and award an NVQ Level 1 in Health and Social Care to all the young parents who take part.

Making a difference A number of our clients have now been through the group, and say how much it has helped them to learn about themselves and others. They also begin to plan careers and successful futures because of their newfound confidence and qualifications.

Lorraine, pictured, said: “The college group has helped build confidence a lot more, and I like being part of a team and working together. I am definitely determined now to work with disabled people.”

Thanks to all the hard work and enthusiasm from Jo and Karon, the young women are now keen to go on and study courses at a higher level — and there’s a lot of interest from other young parents in the community too.

Unfortunately, despite being very committed to this project, Oxford and Cherwell Valley College no longer have any funds to put towards it. Without their input we will no longer be able to offer this positive opportunity to our clients or the other young parents from the local community who also benefit from the group. Of course we are looking hard for alternatives, and welcome any suggestions or solutions.