Transitional Spaces Project
The Transitional Spaces Project (TSP) supports residents in hostels or supported accommodation projects to get sustainable employment and then move into private rented sector housing.
Through an innovative incentive scheme and transitional support package, the Transitional Spaces Project (TSP) aims to address the problem of ‘silt-up’ – 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 - in hostels and supported accommodation. By providing a ‘work first’ model to support clients’ access to 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 December 2009.
In London, TSP is based at Elmfield House, Stockwell. 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 and mediation with employers if needed. Vitally, the project encourages people to think not only about employment, but also about a long term career, therefore building motivation for the future.
Working with and through two tenancy brokerage partners, Broadway and Threshold Housing, TSP offers a source of private rented sector accommodation and works imaginatively with landlords to create a mutually attractive tenancy package for both tenant and landlord. However, the project also offers people the opportunity to find their own flat via the ‘Loot route’, perhaps sharing with friends. TSP Coaches work with the individual for up to six months after they have found a job and are settled in their own flat, providing support as needed.
In Tyneside the project is being delivered by Tyneside Cyrenians, and their clients come from North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle and Gateshead. As in London, a team of coaches support the client in setting appropriate goals and agreeing action plans
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. These times are often problematic for clients as they are faced with changes to benefit claims and the expenses associated with renting a flat.
Further information is also available on the TSP Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also download the TSP Detailed Outline (174 Kb), which illustrates the various stages of the TSP programme.
Not sure whether the private rented sector will suit you? Read through our private rented sector guide (673 Kb) and talk to your key worker or give us a call if you have any further questions you would like to discuss.
To help assess whether TSP is the right project for you please download and complete the Suitability Questionnaire (104 Kb) before completing the TSP application form.
To apply to join the TSP programme in London please download and complete the TSP application form (234 Kb). To apply to join the programme in Tyneside, please contact the project directly.
Contact details for TSP:
| TSP London | TSP Tyneside |
Freepost RRGJ-GRLY-ZBTJ Tel: 0800 121 4717 |
Tyneside Cyrenians Tel: 0191 296 6080 |