A HOMELESSNESS scheme supporting youngsters in Wychavon and Malvern has received national recognition for its work.
Developing skills for independent living is the focus of the project, which was highly commended at the Municipal Journal’s Achievement Awards 2025.
Led by Malvern Hills and Wychavon’s housing team, the scheme is a response to a dramatic increase in the number of vulnerable young people presenting themselves as homeless.
Judges at the London-held awards ceremony described the project as ‘demonstrating the impact local authorities can have on young people’s lives through sustainable, supported housing and partnership working.’
Councillor Rick Deller, Wychavon’s executive board member responsible for housing, regulatory and customer services: “We are delighted the team has won recognition for this life-changing work.
“Thanks to our new approach we’re breaking the cycle of homelessness by focusing on the holistic needs of individuals rather than just processing them against housing legislation.”
Coun Deller thanked Wychavon’s director of communities and housing Jen Taylor and head of housing services Laura Marshall for their work in taking the scheme forward.
As part of the project, staff have undergone specialist Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) training to better understand and support those in need of a home.
Wychavon also created its first supported youth homelessness housing scheme in Evesham in 2021 in partnership with homeless charity St Basils – aimed at 18 to 25-year-olds.
Building on the learning from the scheme, Wychavon converted five empty properties, in the north of the district, into temporary accommodation aimed for people aged over 25.
Wraparound support is also offered to help people sustain their tenancy. In Malvern, 14 bed spaces with on-site support for young people at risk of homelessness have also been secured.
The new approach is already paying off with a fall in rough sleeper numbers across both districts and 30 young people helped by the youth homeless support scheme in Evesham.
Plans are in the pipeline to create a similar scheme in Droitwich Spa.
