Some people around you will not understand your journey. They don't need to; it's not for them

Statement of purpose, mission and aim

SHYP have sound principles in the way we run our service and central to these is the belief that a young person’s rights are paramount and their wishes and aspirations should inform and shape service delivery. Therefore, our mission is based on the principle: treating others the way we would like to be treated. This recognises that all young people have the potential to control the services they receive. Our aim is to equip young people to have the knowledge, understanding, skills and abilities to take as much control of their lives as possible. This will enable them to feel more fulfilled in life through the range of opportunities offered to them. 

Principles and values

Throughout their childhood, all young people are entitled to family life and parenting which promotes and safeguards their health, development and welfare and protects them from harm. Such care is best provided for a young person within their own immediate or extended family however, when this is not possible, young people are often placed into Local Authority care.

The care provided by SHYP is based on an assessment of the young person’s needs and the written care plan. All young people living at SHYP will be consulted about their care plan and every effort will be made to reflect their views and wishes.

Objectives

• To tackle some of the problems faced by vulnerable young people who for whatever reason, are separated from their families
• Assist young people to participate in the development of their care and support plan
• Enable young people to develop their confidence and maintain their dignity by retaining as much control as possible regarding the care and support services they receive
• Actively provide young people with access to appropriate health and care services
• Give young people the chance to choose from the range of recreational, educational and employment opportunities that are available in the community
• Wherever possible, empower young people to choose their Support Workers by involving them in the recruitment and selection of support staff
• Provide experienced and committed staff that have the appropriate expertise and training to support young people with a range of complex needs
• Promote a culture of continual learning within the staff team to improve service delivery
• Operate within the relevant legislative framework and policy guidance
• Establish and maintain effective lines of communication and joint working relationships with referring agencies and relevant health and social care teams.

Accommodation and support

Our accommodation offers double rooms with shared facilities. When we receive a referral, we speak with the young person and their Social Worker so a tailor-made package of support can be created. The aim of this is to ensure each young person’s needs are individually considered. To carry out the plan, we work alongside other statutory, voluntary and community-based agencies including health and education by attending relevant meetings and advocating on behalf of the young people when needed. This approach gives the young people the opportunity to improve their independent living skills and maximise their existing and future potential.  

Moving on

When a young person prepares to leave SHYP, we support the moving on process by visiting their new home and supporting them to get the furniture and equipment they need. We believe it essential to enable a smooth transition by providing the consistency of a named worker so they can settle into their new environment with the minimal amount of disruption.