What is TSP?

The Transitional Spaces Project (TSP) provides accelerated resettlement of residents of temporary supported hostel accommodation into the private rented sector. What makes TSP different to conventional resettlement models is that this is a work first model of resettlement.

Through an innovative incentive scheme and transitional support package, TSP aims to address the problem of ‘silt-up’ in hostels and supported accommodation – the lack of an adequate supply of move-on housing, which means that individuals stay in hostels longer than they need to, with a knock-on effect of a lack of space for current rough sleepers. By providing a work first model to support clients’ access to sustainable employment and private rented sector housing, it aims to demonstrate short-term impact and long-term sustainability by enabling hostels to refocus on their role as ‘transitional spaces’.

The project is being delivered in two UK regional centres, one in London and one in Tyneside. Both pilots will run from January 2007 to March 2010.

In London, TSP is based at London Bridge. The project employs a team of TSP Coaches providing a range of practical and motivational support as well as access to specialist employment services. This includes support with job-search, CV preparation, interview skills, ongoing mentoring, training, financial literacy and budgeting. Vitally, the project encourages people to think not only about employment, but also about a long term career, therefore building motivation for the future. The London project also employs a dedicated property coach who will work with clients to source suitable and affordable private rented accommodation. The Coaches work with the individual for up to six months after they have found a job and are settled in their own home, providing support as needed.

In Tyneside the project is being delivered by Tyneside Cyrenians, and their clients come from North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham. As in London, a team of coaches apply the same principles to support clients to find sustainable employment and to secure private rented accommodation.

To ease the transition between unemployment and employment, and between homelessness and housing, clients are eligible for a total of up to £1,800 in grants over a staged period providing certain criteria is met. These times are often problematic for clients as they are faced with changes to benefit claims and the expenses associated with renting a flat.

To date over 1000 referrals have been made to TSP in London, and just under 300 in Tyneside.

TSP’s funding currently runs until end of March 2010, but we are actively seeking ongoing funding from Trusts and voluntary sources which would enable us to continue this pioneering service. Unfortunately we are unable to accept any more referrals to the service at present.

For further details, including Frequently Asked Questions and how to apply, please see Transitional Spaces Project information for clients.