Support area
- Exploitation: County lines and Child Criminal Exploitation.
- Homelessness: Previously living in hotels and at risk of becoming street homeless.
Referral background
- Tom was under the care of Shropshire Council.
- Tom was referred to YMCA Wellington and District after spending time moving between hotels in Shropshire and being at risk of becoming street homeless.
- Tom had been in the care system during his teenage years due to a breakdown in family relationships at home between him and his mother.
- Tom initially needed support with managing his licence agreement.
- Tom had previously been a victim of Child Criminal Exploitation and county lines exploitation.
Support details
Tom moved into YMCA Wellington and District in November 2024 and has settled into his accommodation at one of our shared properties.
Tom initially expressed an interest in attending Telford College but was unsure which courses he would like to do. He has also said that he would like to join the Army as one of his long-term goals. This is something that has been explored with him and remains an ongoing support need.
Tom’s basic English and maths levels are good, and he has good verbal and written communication skills.
Tom has been supported with opening a benefit claim for Universal Credit and PIP, helping him to maximise his income and become more financially stable. His support also needed to take into account the increased risk of exploitation if he was not in a secure financial position.
Tom has positive support from his mother, and their relationship has improved while he has been living at YMCA Wellington and District. She feels more confident in providing emotional and financial support since he has been living in supported accommodation.
Tom has a Personal Adviser from the Shropshire Leaving Care Team, who the YMCA team liaise with regularly. This has helped the team gain a better insight into how Tom has previously been exploited and the signs they need to be aware of to help reduce the risk of this happening again.
Some of the difficulties faced while supporting Tom have included his understanding of what living in supported accommodation involves, and the expectations around regular keywork sessions. This requires a high level of consistent communication and ongoing support around what is expected of him, and what he can expect from YMCA Wellington and District as his housing provider.
Tom will sometimes test the boundaries of support, as living in supported accommodation is still a learning experience for him. The team continue to provide consistent guidance, reassurance and support as he builds confidence and independence.
Outcomes achieved
- Continuing regular Personal Contribution payments to YMCA Wellington and District.
- Improved family relationships, specifically with his mother.
- Continues to manage his licence agreement with YMCA Wellington and District.
Other services involved
- Shropshire Leaving Care Team - Personal Adviser
