Child support project, Bristol
Keys to the Future helps ensure that housing departments routinely consider the needs of homeless children.
There are about 900 homeless and highly vulnerable children in Bristol. They face huge disadvantages that affect their lives and their futures: insecurity and uncertainty about where they are going to live next, nowhere to bring friends after school or even to do homework.
This project, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, aims to ensure that housing departments always consider children when families are found temporary or permanent housing, and that they don’t miss out on the support that is there for vulnerable children.
Since the project started in July 2007, we have helped 170 children.
Because there is currently no other service in Bristol that assesses all the needs of a child, the project coordinates work between agencies and charities working with children and young people. So far, we have instigated and coordinated multi-agency work for 155 children.
We provide direct, tailored support to children on a one-to-one basis through recreational and educational activities. This includes a wide range of activities for children to play, learn, build their confidence and make friends.
We work closely with parents, providing them with help and advice on housing applications, budget management and financial support opportunities, finding local recreational activities, and registering with a doctor.
And to ensure that we’re keeping children’s needs central, we work with “the Groovy team”, a consultation group of children and young people who have been homeless.
Read an independent evaluation of the Bristol Keys to the Future service. (pdf)
