Peterborough's House Project works in partnership with the National House Project (NHP) to help young people leaving care to create their own home.
Purpose of the House Project
The purpose of the House Project is to equip care-experienced young people aged 16 and 17 with the skills, knowledge and confidence to transition into independent living while fostering a supportive peer community.
The young people become friends and support each other through the experience of leaving care together. They make their houses into homes and stay part of the House Project community. This reduces the feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Teaching key life skills to care leavers is an aim of the House Project. Each care leaver will receive community-based support and one-to-one support each week. This is tailored to their individual needs, helping them to prepare for independent living.
Skills that care leavers learn from the House Project
The young people involved in the project will complete modules on various aspects and skills we all need in life. These are sessions on things such as:
- CV writing and completing job applications
- Cooking and nutrition
- DIY
- Health and safety
- Managing finances and budgeting
There are so many valuable skills that they can take away from the project.
All sessions are delivered using a psychologically informed practice framework to build resilience, responsibility and a sense of belonging.
There is an emphasis on co-production as the young people actively plan, problem-solve and evaluate their progress.
Whilst being part of the House Project, the young people are regarded as being in education. As they complete each module, they receive recognised AQA certificates of qualification.
Chauffeurs Cottage
Chauffeurs Cottage is the venue we use for the House Project. The young people love it. It has already become a place for them to gather, have fun and find support. They also can speak to dedicated staff who have in-depth knowledge and can provide or signpost to the support they are entitled to.
Chauffeurs Cottage will also host events and foster a community among care experienced people in Peterborough. Young people will be involved in the design and decoration of the hub to make it their own welcoming space.
How to take part in the House Project
To take part in the House Project, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a care leaver looked after by Peterborough City Council
- Aged 16 or 17 when starting the project
- Able to get to Peterborough city centre twice a week, every week that the project takes place – once a week for an evening group session and once a week for an allocated 1:1 session with a facilitator
It is free for care leavers to take part in the House Project. However, there may be travel costs involved for travelling into the city centre to attend sessions. If you’re concerned about paying for travel, please speak to your social worker.
The next cohort for the House Project starts in summer 2025 (exact date to be confirmed). We can only have 12 care leavers participating in the project at any one time.
If you are interested in taking part in the House Project, and meet the eligibility criteria, please contact your social worker, foster carer or other council officer you are in touch with.
You can also contact the Peterborough House Project Team directly.