Homeless schemes first to sign up to Tenants Compact » Housing » 24dash.com

Two housing schemes for vulnerable young people and adults in Central Lancashire are thought to be two of the first facilities of their type in the UK to introduce a Tenants Compact.

The Bridge in Chorley and Foundations in Preston provide self-contained accommodation and support services for 32 adults and young people affected by homelessness.

Housing Associations and councils have rolled out Tenants Compacts nationally to tenants in affordable housing to improve the services and quality of life for tenants.

The launch of Tenants Compacts at The Bridge and Foundations by New Progress Housing Association follows the successful introduction of the initiative for other tenants last year.

Sue Harrison, Head of Housing Support at New Progress Housing Association, said: "Tenant Compacts have been welcomed nationally as an excellent way to engage tenants in decision making and in shaping the services that they receive.

"They demonstrate a commitment to tenant involvement and can be a powerful catalyst for change.

"We were keen to extend the benefits of the initiative to the residents at our supported housing schemes, both helping to empower them in making choices about their homes whilst also aiding their own personal development and role within local community.

"By introducing the compacts to this client group, we are demonstrating our commitment to working constructively with all sectors of the community, to social inclusion, to capacity building, and to the development of active citizenship."

The Bridge and Foundations are managed by New Progress Housing Association and opened in 2005. The £3.1 million project was realised through a partnership between New Progress, Preston City Council and Chorley Borough Council and with additional funding from the Housing Corporation.

The scheme in Chorley provides high quality supported housing for ten young people from the surrounding area whilst the Preston City Centre scheme has a total of 22 self-contained flats.