Castle Young People Supported Housing
Gwydir Street
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB1 2LJ
Opening Hours
Mon: 9am - 5pmTues: 9am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Who we are
Richmond Fellowship's Castle service has been supporting young people in Cambridge since the 1980s and we’re particularly experienced at supporting young people who have had, or who are currently having difficulties, with their mental health.
We provide structured and outcome focused housing related support for Young People aged 16 to 25 years old, who have indications of mental health difficulties. The Service sets goals with Young People so that they can develop confidence and internal resources; which will support them to move on from temporary services to permanent accommodation at the earliest opportunity. The service works closely with young people's social care or community mental health teams to ensure young people receive appropriate professional support where needed; while promoting social inclusion.
What we do
Each placement at the Castle Service can last up to a maximum of 2 years. In situations where a positive move on is not achievable in this time a placement extension is discussed with the person we support and their support team. Generally placement extensions will be agreed on a 3 month rolling basis with a clear monitoring agreement in place highlighting what needs to be achieved in this time.
Each person we support in the service has an assigned Recovery Worker who they are expected to meet with weekly (minimum). This may be more at the beginning of a placement or at times when needs are deemed to be higher. Each individual will agree a support plan with their Recovery Worker which lists goals that they would like to work on. Support plans are reviewed at least 3 monthly or when required.
In particular the service assists Young People to learn the skills they need to:
- Budget successfully to pay rent and other living expenses
- Deal with the expectations of statutory and non statutory agencies
- Apply for and manage benefit claims/payments to maximise their income
- Complete forms and paperwork associated with living independently
- Build positive relationships with their neighbours and local community
- Keep their home clean and tidy and safe
- Use and maintain equipment in their home
- Access and participate in services in their local community
- Access training, education and employment to enhance their life chances
- Manage their sexual health and sexual relationships
- Maintain contact with local mental health services and the Council to develop a coordinated plan whilst they are
- Living in the Service and in preparation for their move to permanent accommodation
- Work on their emotional need and coping strategies
- Respond to crisis situations
Who we help
We support young people aged 16 to 25 years old living in Cambridge and experiencing mental health problems.
Please contact the Castle Service to receive further information.
Getting referred
Although we try and prioritise young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health not all referrals must have a formal mental health diagnosis. We also accepted referrals where the young person has experienced or is experiencing difficulties in their lives which require some support to get back on track and to move into an independent living environment.
Please contact the Castle Service for a breakdown of our referral process and to receive a copy of our accommodation application form.
Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a group of charities with the shared aim to Inspire Recovery Together.
