Our Supported Housing Project helps young people off the streets, out of trouble and into places they can call their own

The Rugby Portobello Trust Houseshare Supported Housing Project was set up in response to the chronic shortage of affordable accommodation in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea available to vulnerable young people.

Young people may become homeless for a variety of reasons because family relationships break down, housing is overcrowded or they are refugees or asylum seekers.

Secure housing is vital to a young person for without this they cannot access a job or training.

How it Works

Today, RPT is the Managing Agent for self-contained accommodation in 5 shared houses owned respectively by the Notting Hill Housing Group, Octavia Care and Kensington Housing Trust.

• Each house is divided into flats furnished with basic essentials accommodating 5 to 10 tenants each. The tenant has sole use of a private room for which they hold an assured shorthold tenancy. We expect them to pay their way and live responsibly. They share kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities and stay a minimum of 1 year, but many stay up to 2 years dependent on access and ability to move on to permanent accommodation.
• In brief: potential tenants are referred to us by the town hall or social services and are interviewed to assess their needs and suitability. Supported and monitored by individually assigned Key Workers, accepted tenants are guided towards meaningful, fulfilling and independent lifestyles.
• As well as housing these young people, we help them gain confidence, take care of themselves and the place they live in and look to the future. They’re encouraged to replace negative attitudes with positive life skills in relation to their personal development, culture, religion, physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as practical home management, budgeting, education and training for employment.
• In addition, young people have access to all the services at the RPT Centre such as our computer, fitness, sports and music rooms.

To keep this project going, like all our services, we need grants, donations, fundraising, volunteers, mentors, educators and anyone who can give us their time or relevant experience.

If you, your organisation or your company can help – please do so by clicking on How to Help!