Mainstay

1. what:

Mainstay provides Housing Support to young people (16-25 year old) moving into their own tenancy (council house, Housing Association house, private let etc). This is often a difficult time for any person and the support is geared to help deal with such issues as getting the house set up (e.g. furnished, decorated, benefits set up
etc), and working on the skills needed to help keep a house running (paying bills, managing money, getting on with neighbours, repairs etc).

2. where:

Mainstay can provide a service to any young person taking up a tenancy anywhere in the Edinburgh area.

3. support:

Support is provided by a team of Project Workers and Support Assistants. Each young person can receive a flexible package of support (a minimum of 4 hours per week) which can be arranged during the day, night and at weekends. Each young person works with their allocated Project Worker to assess their support needs, create a Housing Support Plan and then use it to help increase their skills and ready them for independent living.

4. costs:

The costs of this service are met in full by Supporting People Grant. Young people can receive a free service for up to two years.

5. referral:

Referral can be made by phone, email, letter or fax to the Trusts office. When a referral is received, a worker will arrange to meet the young person to explain the service in more details and to complete an initial assessment.