Trinity Court is an accommodation scheme aimed at helping young people make that final jump to independence.There are no staff on site, allowing young people to get a taste of independence, whilst still having the opportunity to access support from staff if they find they need it. The scheme is aimed at Young People who are in some form of part or full time work, as part of their weekly rent charge is placed in a trust fund. The idea behind this when the scheme opened in September 2008 was that this money could then be used to help generate a deposit so that young people could eventually afford to buy their own home.
Trinity Court is a block of 24 two bedroom self-contained flats, built by Thomas Vale Construction in partnership with Family Housing Association and St Basils. 8 of the flats are for the use of St Basils young people.
One young person, Siobhan, who lived at Trinity court for 2 years, said of the scheme;
“I was lucky; I was in the right place at the right time! I’d been staying with St Basils at Conybere Gardens, the staff there encouraged me to think about the future and what I wanted to achieve for myself. I have high aspirations! Trinity Court is great accommodation and so new as well – if you’re homeless, it’s great to have the opportunity to live somewhere so nice! It’s a lovely area as well, there was no trouble there; if I could have stayed I would!
What I liked most about the scheme was that I was living independently but without all the worry; If I was struggling one month then I could negotiate paying more rent next month, and if I had any other concerns it was good to know I could find a listening ear in staff at St Basils and get their advice.
When I lived at Trinity Court I worked 17 hours at Sainsburys and I was at college as well. I’m now at University part time and working as a part time youth worker as well.
I really like the trust fund element of the scheme; it’s a great idea! I think given the current climate, the money put aside hasn’t multiplied enough for a deposit but it did give me a bit of a cushion so that when I moved on from Trinity it paid the rent in advance for the flat I’ve got now and helped me set up home. I’d recommend the scheme to anyone; it’s a win-win for any young person”
Trinity Court is only an option for young people already known to St Basils who staff feel have demonstrated that they have the means and the necessary Life skills to live independently. Young people can stay at Trinity Court for a maximum of two years. For more information on Trinity Court please contact Yemi Lawson at St Basils.
