The Housing Executive awarded a £50,000 grant to YMCA to help young tenants in Lisburn.

The funding comes from the Housing Executive's Sustaining Tenancies Grant Funding Programme and will provide the youth organisation with two staff members to help young people sustain their tenancies.

Over two years, up to 60 tenants from the age of 18 to 30 will be supported on issues such as mental health, isolation and loneliness, practical skills, financial debt, rent arrears and difficult relationships.

Anna Kissick, YMCA Sustaining Tenancies Project Support Worker, said: "Our goal is to build on and expand our support for vulnerable tenants who are at greater risk of experiencing tenancy breakdown.

"Lisburn has a wealth of services helping those in need and I’m in a privileged position to be able to help link them together and support people to live sustainably and well in their tenancies."

Anna works with a range of people in her role at YMCA, including parents, care leavers and those struggling with mental health issues. She said: "We work hard to tailor our support for people’s individual needs. That can mean anything from a crisis food bank referral or ensuring they are registered at a GP to helping with CVs, filling in benefit forms or engaging successfully with the Housing Executive or with the jobs and benefits office.

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"As another example, some people don’t understand the housing points system. In the past, we have arranged to meet with a client’s Housing Advisor to ensure they have their full quota of points. We’ve also shown clients the different housing areas which has encouraged some to expand their choices.

"Importantly, this all leads to a sense of wellbeing which begins in the home and helps create a stable foundation upon which people can build happy, fulfilling lives."

Des Marley, Housing Executive Area Manager for Lisburn and Castlereagh, said: "Funding this scheme demonstrates the Housing Executive’s continued commitment to supporting our tenants and local communities in these challenging times.

"Our staff have been able to use links with Anna to improve relationships with our young tenants and together we are working towards creating a better environment for all.

"We want people to have resilient, sustainable tenancies in the short, medium and long term and we’re working with many local groups to improve the lives of our tenants.

"By giving these young people the right information, practical skills and resources we are providing them with a platform to live healthier and happier lives.

"This scheme has been very successful in helping our young tenants and we are delighted with the outcomes."

Applications are still open for the Sustaining Tenancies fund and groups can apply for grants of up to £100,000 until October 20, 2023.