The ‘Moving On’ Programme, led by the Birmingham and Solihull District DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), has partnered with a specialist housing provider to supply safe, high-quality accommodation for participants in the pilot scheme.

The stable housing, provided directly by Sustain UK, will aim to lay the foundation individuals need to start their journey toward self-sufficiency.

Through a combination of proper housing, classroom-based skills training and wider emotional support, the programme aims to empower individuals to break the cycle of supported housing, moving them into full-time employment, where they can thrive on their own.

Natalie Cartmell, MBE, District Partnership Manager – Housing and Homeless Lead for Birmingham & Solihull, said: “The Moving On project was designed to provide opportunities to residents enabling them to move on from supported accommodation. The DWP funded course, facilitated by The Salvation Army, offers money management, tenancy skills and employability – and aims to show potential landlords that with the right education, residents can succeed.

“It is amazing to have Sustain UK onboard, who can offer affordable accommodation to participants who complete the course. This is evidence that supported accommodation providers want to be part of the solution, enabling resident’s opportunities to thrive and move forward to independence.”

Ian MacGregor, Chief Executive at Sustain UK, said: “Specialist supported housing plays a vital role in reducing homelessness, but we recognise that the longer people live in supported housing, the harder it can become for them to leave and progress their lives.

“We’re also taking action to reduce supported housing in some areas of Birmingham, and I’m hopeful that initiatives like this will help achieve that goal over time.

“Sustain UK has reduced its supported housing and elected to suspend offering properties in identified exempt housing density hotspots.”

“We’re showing people how to break free of the shackles of supported housing so they can achieve greater autonomy and ultimately, stability and happiness.”

Luke Joyce, who is leading Moving On for Sustain UK, said: “Moving On will hopefully demonstrate to those residents who are ready, how they can evolve their lives away from supported housing so they can achieve greater autonomy and ultimately, stability and happiness.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on people’s lives.”

As part of the pilot scheme, three participants will also receive classroom-based training and practical support from the Salvation Army, spanning essential areas like money management, and tenancy skills all tailored towards maintaining a successful tenancy.

The sessions, held three times a week, will also cover employment skills such as CV writing, interview techniques and strategies to ensure lasting independence.

So far, three Sustain UK nominees have been selected, chosen in part for their positivity and desire to move their lives on.

Mason Boreland (25), Trey Buchanan (22), and Athar Hussain (21), are now living in North Birmingham, where they currently co-share under one roof.

Mason Boreland said: “I’m really pleased to have this opportunity, my aim is to gain further independence and hopefully move into full-time work.”

His housemate, Athar Hussain, added: “Living with other people whilst taking part in Moving On means we can better support each other. We’re working towards the same goal and it’s nice to have the support from the other lads at home.”