Today, Friday 29 August, marks Starts At Home Day 2025, an annual campaign that highlights the life changing impact of supported housing.
Supported housing is a vital part of what we do at Your Housing Group. From our foyers for younger people to our schemes for older residents, we provide safe places for people to call home.
This year, the campaign theme #SaveOurSupportedHousing is a powerful reminder that these services are needed and must be protected. We recently spoke to some of our younger residents living in our foyers, and their words emphasised just how vital supported housing is - not just as a place to live, but as a place to grow and build a positive future.
We spoke with Leticia, one of our residents living at Coops Foyer in Wigan.
What does having a safe place to call home mean to you?
To me, having a safe place to call home is being able to feel peaceful and happy. After growing up in a bad environment, a safe place to call home for me which I have at Coops feels like a dream come true.
How has supported housing helped you live more independently or feel safer?
It has helped me grow my skills to become more independent. I understand my responsibilities and I am able to keep my home clean and tidy, I have learned budgeting skills to help me manage my income. Also, the support that staff offer has really helped me. I always feel comfortable reaching out for help from staff.
I enjoy the independence I have gained since moving to Coops. I also really enjoy all the opportunities that are offered here to help me gain skills and move onto other things.
What activities or support services have made a difference in your life?
Staff have supported me to apply for funding that allowed me to purchase items which are really helpful for my college course in Fashion Studies and my future aspirations. I also think the 1-2-1 sessions with support staff are really helpful to discuss the future and what I want to achieve and to also look at the options I have that can help me achieve my goals.
We're proud to have four foyers which each offer a friendly and non-judgemental place to live for people aged 16-25. You can read more about our supported housing offer for younger people here.