An innovative scheme in Peterborough which is helping young care leavers to achieve independent futures has celebrated its first anniversary.
Peterborough City Council launched its very own House Project in January 2025 and the scheme has already helped several young people aged between 16 and 18 to learn vital life skills and gain confidence, putting them in control of their futures as they look to start careers and move into their own homes.
Since opening its doors, two cohorts of young people have benefitted from the project, with six young people from the first cohort already having moved into permanent homes.
Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "I am absolutely delighted and incredibly proud that the House Project is having such a positive effect, just one year after opening its doors and would like to thank everyone involved.
“This is a unique project which is changing young people’s lives and their prospects for the better. They are gaining practical and emotional skills needed to live independently and to make their house their home when they move into their own accommodation. This is also essential to reducing homelessness among care leavers as experience shows that those care leavers who are equipped with necessary life skills and ongoing support have better, long term outcomes.
“We remain fully committed to improving the experiences, outcomes, and lives of all young people leaving care. These young people will benefit from not only gaining vital life skills but also the sense of community and support of their peer group, giving them the opportunity to succeed and achieve."
The project was launched as part of the National House Project. The first cohort of 12 people started in January 2025 and graduated in August, taking part in 33 skill-learning sessions. The second cohort of ten young people started in September 2025 and are expected to graduate in April 2026.
Whilst at the House Project, care leavers learn about a range of subjects including finances, energy efficiency, drugs and alcohol, mental health, looking after a home (cleaning and washing), problem solving, general health and first aid, cooking and budgeting, planning, cooking and sharing meals, healthy relationships and cuckooing.
Each young person receives community-based support, tailored to their needs, helping to prepare them for independent living and assist with general life-skills such as managing finances and decision making. Through regular meet ups and one-to-one sessions care leavers get vital advice and skills in areas such as employment, job searching, CV writing, interview techniques, completing applications and setting up business models.
They also learn more about using public transport, dealing with emergencies, health and safety right through to event organisation skills and managing their mental and physical health. As each module is completed, the care leavers receive recognised certificates of qualification from AQA - an organisation that manages achievements and qualifications.
Helping young people build positive relationships with each other and their communities is another key element of the support on offer at the project. They learn about developing relationships with their neighbours in preparation for moving into a permanent home.
For more information about the Peterborough House Project visit www.peterborough.thehouseproject.org