Alliance in Birmingham formed to promote self-reliant way of life for individuals
In the heart of Birmingham, a pioneering programme called 'Moving On' is currently being piloted. This initiative, a collaboration between Sustain UK and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to help people move from supported accommodation to independent living.
Three individuals, Mason Boreland (25), Trey Buchanan (22), and Athar Hussain (21), have been selected to test the programme. They recently moved into a house in North Birmingham, living together as they embark on this life-changing journey.
The 'Moving On' programme aims to show potential landlords that with the right education, tenants can succeed. As part of the programme, Sustain UK, as part of the partnership, will be directly delivering affordable accommodation to help people move on from supported accommodation.
The programme offers courses on money management, tenancy skills, and employability. Classroom-based skills training encourages participants to get into full-time work. Natalie Cartmell, MBE, district partnership manager for Birmingham and Solihull, has stated that the 'Moving On' project aims to provide opportunities to residents enabling them to move on from supported accommodation.
Data from Sustain UK shows there are almost 1,800 people in supported accommodation and over 400 properties under management across Birmingham and the West Midlands. The 'Moving On' programme is evidence that supported accommodation providers want to be part of the solution, enabling residents' opportunities to thrive and move forward to independence.
Mason Boreland expressed his desire to gain further independence and move into full-time work. Athar Hussain emphasized the importance of living with others while participating in the 'Moving On' programme, as it allows for mutual support in achieving their shared goal.
The 'Moving On' programme is not related to the recent news about Solar providing financial resilience for farmers or the approaching Buy Nothing Day. It is a significant step forward in supporting individuals in Birmingham to achieve independence and improve their quality of life.
While the specific details of how the 'Moving On' programme operates or its methods for supporting this transition remain undisclosed, similar programmes typically provide a combination of skills training for independent living, employment support, access to welfare and benefit advice, and mentoring or coaching to build confidence and social connections.
The 'Moving On' programme, facilitated by The Salvation Army, is just one example of how communities are coming together to support those in need. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the desire to create a more sustainable and supportive city for all its residents.
- Mason Boreland, Trey Buchanan, and Athar Hussain, part of the 'Moving On' programme, are living together in a house in North Birmingham, pursuing a transition to independent living.
- The 'Moving On' programme, run by Sustain UK and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), aims to demonstrate to potential landlords that tenants can succeed with the right education.
- The 'Moving On' programme offers courses on money management, tenancy skills, employability, and personal growth, providing participants with opportunities for career development.
- The 'Moving On' programme, facilitated by The Salvation Army, is an example of how communities are coming together to offer affordable housing and support to residents, encouraging outdoor-living, home-and-garden, and self-development.
