Residents moving into their own home for the first time have received a helping hand with training from a homeless support service.
Ten students attended a week-long course with sessions on cooking healthily on a budget, money management, living a healthy lifestyle, self confidence and DIY.
Hosted at the Blend project in Ripley, the sessions were run by Amber Valley Housing’s Homeless Team, as part of its provision of homeless and housing advice on behalf of Amber Valley Borough Council.
Staff from the housing association ran the workshops alongside volunteers from Blend and Broxtowe Youth Homeless Group, as well as a session designed by life coach Andy Whittaker.
As part of the course students were given help and advice on how to find a home through Home-Options, the choice-based lettings scheme for Derbyshire designed to match those in housing need with properties that meet their requirements.
The sessions were supported by donations of materials and supplies from local businesses, including Morrisons and Wilkinsons in Belper, Dominos in Heanor, Tesco in Alfreton and Sainsbury’s in Ripley.
Taking part in the course, 22-year-old Ashley said: “One of the support team from Amber Valley Housing mentioned the course to me and I thought I’d come along.
“I’ve been to every session this week and probably enjoyed the cookery session the most.Tips like freezing leftovers and how to cook a nutritious meal on a budget really help when you’re thinking about moving into your own place.”
Sara Parkin, housing advice manager at Amber Valley Housing, said: “Learning how to manage and maintain a home is vital for the people we work with, who may not have run their own home before and need some extra support in developing skills that will help them to live independently.
“We hope that this course will help individuals to secure and sustain suitable and affordable accommodation and become active members of their communities.”
