Reconomy supports Wolverhampton House Project

Following the announcement of its partnership with The National House Project earlier this year, Reconomy has started supporting its first scheme in Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton’s House Project will work with around 10 young people aged 16 and over who are leaving the care system. They will be given access to an empty Wolverhampton Homes property and, with support, develop a community network and the skills they need to make any improvements required to what will become their home.

The aim of the scheme is to help care leavers through the transition from childhood to adulthood, one of the most difficult periods in any young life. A third of care leavers experience homelessness within two years of leaving care while they are also four times more likely to have mental health issues than the general population.

Reconomy will provide senior management, including its CEO Paul Cox, as ‘Business Mentors’ to the National and Local House Project Steering Groups. It will also help the project participants with employability support, coaching and job opportunities through its extensive supplier and customer base. Places on Reconomy’s annual internship programme have been ringfenced for care leavers.

As the UK’s leading provider of outsourced waste management and resource-led services, Reconomy will also be offering its extensive waste management expertise in support of the project’s property renovations.

Reconomy’s CEO, Paul Cox, said: “Young people leaving care often have very little in the way of a support network and as a result, it can be a very difficult and intimidating time.

“The National House Project is a radical and exciting solution and we are proud to be able to support it and give something back to the local communities in which we live and work. The partnership with The National House Project and our wider Reconomy Social Value Programme (RSVP) will see us taking an increasingly proactive approach to tackling the big social issues.”

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added: “The House Project will complement and enhance the already successful supported housing accommodation we offer to care leavers in Wolverhampton, and will be a win-win for everyone involved; the young person will get the support they need to live independently, landlords will get excellent tenants and the council will have a long-term, sustainable housing solution to meet the needs of young people when they are ready to leave care.

“We are particularly grateful for the support of Reconomy which has made it clear it wants to provide support and opportunities to help improve outcomes for care leavers in the city.”

Reconomy’s aim is to work with the National House Project as they build their number of Local Authority partnerships over the next few years. Helping as many young care leavers as possible will allow them to become part of a community which supports them in developing the practical and emotional skills that they need to live independently.

Find out more about the partnership by visiting the below link

https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/news/project-will-help-care-leavers-make-house-their-home