News & Blogs
14th September 2026Support without judgement, for as long as it’s needed
Written by Gemma, Housing First for Youth, Manager
Having a home should not depend on proving that you are ‘ready’ for one.
That principle sits at the heart of Simon Community’s Housing First for Youth service providing young people aged 16 and up, with a home alongside support that meets them where they are.
The service began around 2020 as “Flexible Outreach”. As it developed, it became clear that the support being delivered reflected the Housing First model an internationally recognised approach to addressing homelessness for people experiencing high levels of need and complex challenges.
Unlike some traditional supported housing models, Housing First does not require someone to demonstrate that they are ready to live independently before accessing a home. Instead, having a safe and secure home is the starting point, with support built around the individual.
For Housing First for Youth, that means making a long-term commitment to young people, through building trusting relationships and providing support without judgement.
Supporting young people in their own homes
Today, Simon Community’s Housing First for Youth service supports 29 young people living independently within their communities.
Young people are referred to the service through our partners and can be placed in accommodation from the age of 16. But securing accommodation is only one part of the support.
The service operates 24 hours a day, meaning support workers are available when young people need them. That could mean helping someone attend an appointment, supporting them with the day-to-day upkeep of their home, helping with food, utilities or other essentials, or simply spending time together.
Sometimes, the most meaningful support happens in the most ordinary moments.
Getting out of the house for an activity or going for a drive with a support worker can create space for conversations that may be difficult in a more formal setting.
“Our team often become the people young people contact during some of their most difficult moments, something our staff see as a real privilege.” Gemma McMahon, Housing First Manager.
Meeting young people where they are.
A key part of Housing First is flexibility.
There is no expectation that every day will look the same or that progress will always follow a straight line.
Instead, staff respond to what a young person needs at that time, the service works to meet them where they are.
Support continues even when circumstances change. Our teams adapt around each young person, wherever they are with whatever support they need. Young people know there is someone available to them each day.
Someone will check in. Someone will listen.
Supporting young people over a longer period allows our staff to build strong, trusting relationships with them. They experience the highs and the lows alongside them.
Supporting people in the community can also bring challenges making teamwork particularly important. What stands out is the care and empathy the team continue to bring to every shift, supporting one another while remaining focused on the young people they work alongside.
Housing First for Youth is about much more than accommodation.
It is about having someone alongside you for the long term.
Early intervention can play an important role in preventing homelessness from continuing into adulthood. By providing a safe home alongside consistent support at a young age, we can give young people greater opportunity to build the future they want for themselves.
Whatever may have happened before, every young person deserves the opportunity to move forward and listened to and without judgement.
