Our Young Parents Pathway Celebrates its Latest Milestones

Since the service began in August 2003, it has offered nearly 400 tenancies to young parents in South Shields, worked with over 1,000 people and dedicated 175,200 hours of support and guidance to some of the most vulnerable families. The service is the only one of its kind in South Tyneside and is always in high demand with the average occupancy level at 99.9% since April 2020. 

Our Head of Supported Housing, Katie Procter, explains why the service is a vital part of the Community: “Over the last 20 years, the staff at the Young Parents Pathway have provided a person-centred approach to support young families in need of their service, including some that are at risk of homelessness. Their successful partnerships and working relationships with local charities and businesses have allowed us to also provide users of the service with access to further support including fresh food donations, essential baby items, clothing and employment and training guidance, allowing them to move on to live independently.” 

The Young Parents Pathway is one of 30 nationwide services that we deliver to support people including those who are at risk of homelessness. Recent research by Homewards suggests that 300,000 people are currently homeless, half of which are children. Also, research by the National Housing Federation shows that were it not for supported housing schemes, such as the Young Parents Pathway, 41,000 more people would be homeless, and a further 30,000 people at risk. Furthermore, recent data from The Department of Health and Social Care predicts that the demand for supported homes in England will increase by 125,000 by 2030.  

With more to be done to resolve homelessness, Katie continues: “Everyone has the right to a home that is safe and secure. We are committed to finding innovative solutions that improve the health, well-being and long-term prospects of homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.  In recent years, supported housing has seen a shortfall in investment and greater regulation but its role in society is essential. Like all parts of the housing market, we need a long-term plan for housing to help schemes, like that of the Young Parents Pathway, support more people.” 

To celebrate the latest milestones, Young Parents Pathway hosted a family fun day for the local Community. With the support that the service provides being a vital lifeline to those in need within the Community, several users of the service, past and present attended the fun day with their families.