What We Do
Intensive Support Mentoring Programme
About the Service
The Intensive Support Mentoring (ISM) Programme is a distinctive service in Liverpool, working with some of the most complex young homeless people in the city. These young people have become trapped in a cycle of homelessness who move from hostel to hostel.
The clients that ISM is working with have deep and unmet emotional, social and psychological needs. The young people are known to many agencies and supported by a range of organisations, but they are unable to make positive progress.
ISM supports young people out of this cycle by assisting challenging and complex young people into a life of independence that includes stable relationships, accommodation, training and employment.
The ISM Programme is effective in providing solutions to avoid crisis and break the cycle of dependency.
Who ISM Works With
The ISM Programme works with 18 to 25 year old young homeless people who also have additional barriers. Examples include:
Somebody in crisis, usual as a result of a threat of eviction from their current accommodation
A history of being in residential and/or foster care and are now homeless
Lack of engagement with existing services
Underlying mental health, emotional or social needs and trauma that is currently unmet
Referral Criteria
ISM receive referrals from a range of statutory and voluntary agencies within Liverpool.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 – 25 years and have a history of cyclical stays within hostels or other short term accommodation.
Clients must be in hostel accommodation at the point of referral.
Young homeless people who have been identified as the hardest to engage and are experiencing profound exclusion.
Funding
ISM is funded by the J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust and the Comino Foundation.
Contact Details
Mentors: Sue Shelley & Gemma Eccles
Address:
ISM Programme
c/o Homeground
286/316 Scotland Road
Liverpool
L5 5AE
Telephone: 0151 330 2017
Email: sshelley@localsolutions.org.uk