Council awards £13m contract to lead way for support
By Rob Freeman | 4th August 2020
Gloucestershire County Council has awarded a £13million contract to deliver specialist support for vulnerable young people in semi-independent accommodation which is tipped to become "the national model".
The seven-year contract has been given to Homes2Inspire, part of the charitable organisation Shaw Trust, for Trevone House in Denmark Road, Gloucester.
The first of its kind in the country was awarded £2.5million by the council last year for its transformation into a facility which will include support services, as well as accommodation for 19 young people to have their own semi- independent flat.
There will also be a well-being suite which offers young people a place of safety and calm along with two specialist flats for young people needing additional support with mental health needs.
Two of the council's young ambassadors with experience of living in care were involved in creating the brief for the tender process.
Council leader Councillor Mark Hawthorne said: "It is crucial all children in the county have the best opportunity to thrive as they move into adulthood.
"This new way of working is unique in that not only is it one of a kind, but also through the way the service has been developed, working with our fantastic young ambassadors, whose input has been invaluable.
"This really exciting project has already received much national interest and I am delighted that Gloucestershire is leading the way on transforming support for our future generations."
Building work is due to be completed this month with the first inhabits set to move in after a launch later this year.
Councillor Richard Boyles, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Since the planning stages of this project we have recognised the impact this new approach in Gloucestershire would have on the lives our young people in care.
"The high standards we demanded are really taking shape and I can see that this will be a first class home for future generations of children in care."
Local engagement events will continue once the new provider is in place.
Shaw Trust chief executive Chris Luck said: "This innovative project provides the wraparound needed to give care leavers the very best stepping stone to a brighter future in addition to providing specialist support to those needing help at a time of crisis, including improving mental wellbeing.
"This ground-breaking approach by Gloucestershire Children's Services represents the very best in aspiration and practice.
"Shaw Trust is proud to be Gloucestershire's partner in creating and delivering a service to beneficiaries that reflects our values, goals and experience in delivering care to young people - Trevone House has all the hallmarks to be the national model."
Trevone House was previously a care home run by The Order of St John's which was closed in 2018.
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