This month we were proud to welcome the team from Stoke-on-Trent House Project to our male homelessness scheme, delivered by our homelessness specialists, Concrete.
Staff and young people visited the scheme to cook a meal for residents, drop off Easter gifts, share laughter and really give back to the community. Stoke-on-Trent House Project is a Local House Project (LHP) that supports young people leaving care to create their own homes and build independent, fulfilling lives. As part of their programme, young people are encouraged to take part in community initiatives - and this time, they chose to support residents at Concrete.
Together, the group prepared and served a hot meal for residents, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that brought everyone together. Alongside the meal, they also donated thoughtful Easter gift packages, including Easter eggs, loungewear, toiletries and snacks.
The visit held even more meaning as it coincided with one resident’s birthday. Wanting to make the day extra special, Stoke House Project brought along a personalised gift and card. Knowing his love for art, they chose a sketchbook, colouring book and colouring pencils - a gesture that was warmly received.
A project built on lived experience
Stoke-on-Trent House Project began 10 years ago after young people with care experience spoke out about the challenges they faced when leaving the care system.
Julia Cotterill, Project Facilitator, explained: “Ten years ago, young people told us it felt like they were being dropped off a cliff when they turned 18 and left care. We listened to what they wanted, and housing was the biggest issue.”
Funded by the Department for Education, the project started in Stoke-on-Trent and has since grown into a national model, with around 20 similar projects now operating across the UK.
“We started with cohort one and now we’re on cohort 17,” Julia added. “In that time, we’ve not had one eviction. The support never stops - the door is always open.”
Young people are supported before they leave care and continue to receive guidance for as long as they need it. The project focuses on building trust, developing independent living skills, and creating a strong sense of community.
Julia continued: “It’s very much a family-type relationship. They feel comfortable enough to open up, and that trust and respect is what makes it work.”
Young people leading the way
A key part of the House Project model is that it is entirely co-designed and led by young people themselves. Each new cohort is given a budget and decides collectively how to use it.
Julia said: “This time, they chose to support the homeless community. They wanted to give back, which is why they came to Concrete.”
The project continues to evolve, offering a wide range of opportunities including participation work, peer mentoring, apprenticeships, and support groups for young parents.
Becky, 21, is one of the young people supported by the project. She said: “The House Project is really good. I’m a few years on now, but I know that I can still get in touch with the team for any support I need.
“I love being able to give back to the community through the project - I’m planning to do a 5k in June to raise money for charity. I also do peer mentoring with children and young people, which I really enjoy. Because we’ve got that lived experience, they can relate to us more. I’ve come a really long way.”
Building connections that matter
The visit highlighted the power of community, compassion and lived experience in creating meaningful change. For our residents at Concrete, it was a chance to feel supported and valued. For the young people involved, it was an opportunity to give back and make a difference.
Moments like these reflect our wider Honeycomb Group to support people to live independent and fulfilling lives - and shows the power of partnership working to create lasting, thriving futures for everyone involved.
