Still leading the way against youth homelessness

Hertsmere's role as the Regional Centre of Excellence for Youth Homelessness has been extended. The government has asked us to continue our role in the east region until June 2009.

The council was awarded the title for the 2007/08 financial year along with a budget to undertake certain activities which included a well-received conference on good practice on preventing and tackling youth homelessness in February. 

Helen George, Housing Strategy and Intervention Manager, said: "I am delighted that our hard work and commitment to tackling youth homelessness has been recognised a second time.  This is a very significant acknowledgment for Hertsmere."

Following the conference in February, the housing team was already planning two seminars on issues which were identified as concerns by those who attended.  A seminar on housing and support services for young people who are ex-offenders will take place in June and one on housing and support services for young people leaving local authority care will take place in July.

In addition, the team will research and produce a brochure on youth homelessness in the east region which will be circulated to local authority housing teams throughout the region and MPs. 

The programme for 2008/09 will be based around the following themes:
- Hosting workshops on key aspects of prevention of youth homelessness.
- Liaising with local authorities in our area regarding the implementation of targeted youth support.
- Hosting an event to discuss best practice in involving young people in service design and delivery.
- Promoting the National Youth Homelessness Scheme website and getting feedback from other local authorities.

This year we will receive £10,000 from the government to help us carry out these activities.

Helen added: "Our activities will continue to have a positive impact in preventing and tackling youth homelessness in the region."

The general aims of a Regional Centre of Excellence for Youth Homelessness are to:
- bring together local authorities and service providers within the east region to consider local performance, young people's needs and issues, local solutions and approaches, and requirements for cross-boundary or new partnerships
- share experience and expertise
- demonstrate successful approaches to local authorities and service providers.