Bradford City Centre Project Explained
BCCP is an independent, voluntary organisation, and a company limited by guarantee. Registered Charity number 1017829 and Company Registration number 2697640.
The Management committee carries ultimate responsibility for all activities carried out by staff and volunteers. A management team is responsible for ensuring the implementation of agreed policy and procedures and for the achievement of agreed outcomes and targets.
The services we provide
In recognition of the extent and complexity of factors, which affect young, homeless people's housing fortunes, the project has built a range of activities which between them offer different routes towards resettlement, choice for our clients, and opportunities for empowerment. The project currently organises its work through four separate teams.
Advice Team
The BCCP advice service provides free, confidential, equitable, appropriate, and sensitive information and advice on any housing related issues. We aim to be as accessible as possible in offering a confidential and professional service to 16-25 year olds.
There is an advice service in Bradford for immediate advice, support, advocacy, and help, on mainly housing related matters, support and access to resettlement services.
Advice and advocacy on the Social Security Benefit system, accessing loans and grants, debt related and health issues.
Activities & Education work.
Activities & Education work within BCCP has been developed in response to young people’s needs beyond housing. It aims to complement more practical work done by other aspects of the project and help young people develop self-esteem, confidence and motivation. Activity sessions and programmes of sessions are provided including life skills and independent living, issue based sessions and workshops looking at drug use, positive self image, health, etc., as well as literacy and numeracy, IT and Arts. In addition we offer opportunities for young people to influence or develop and direct their own projects within the project with the support of workers and volunteers.
Bradford hostels and second stage accommodation.
Same-day access hostel with intensive practical support, and move-on accommodation in Housing association flats.
Shipley Supported Tenancy Scheme.
A team offering intensive support to young people in Bradford and Shipley with multiple and complex problems who have the most difficulty in gaining access to and retaining appropriate accommodation.
BCCP Purpose and Approach.
Purpose
The purpose of the BCCP is to help young people in housing need and to obtain safe, secure affordable homes and to gain confidence and skills they need in order to participate fully in the economic and social life of their community.
Approach
- BCCP is committed to providing services that are accessible and enabling: with a comprehensive response to young people's needs, which are appropriate, to each individual's particular circumstances.
- We believe that all young people are entitled to equal rights and respect, but existing policies and prevailing social attitudes tend actively to deny homeless young people many of their rights.
- We aim to work with young people around any issues, which affect their housing chances, in ways that support them in developing the capacity to cope with future challenges and circumstances.
Working Principles
- The process of successfully meeting needs usually requires consistent and wide-ranging support over a period of time.
- We will attempt to help young people wanting secure housing and a settled way of life to tackle both the personal difficulties and the broad-based discrimination they face.
- We work on the basis that all young people have the capacity of achieve and maintain secure and settled housing if given an equal chance to do so.
- We work on the basis that doing things to or for people is much less effective that working with them and that empowerment in one aspect of problem solving has an impact in others.
- We will attempt to work with young people regardless of the problems they have, so long as the are open with us and agree to abide by the basic rules applying to all participants.
Recruitment and Selection process for advice volunteers.
Once your application form is returned, and references are sought. You will be invited for an interview.
Interview. Questions will be asked of you regarding your interests and thoughts about BCCP work; in particular the role of the advice worker and what the BCCP would require of you.
Selection. Following selection you would then work through the induction training period and a named advice worker would be assigned to you, who will act as support/supervisor.
You would work on a trial basis for 3 months as a volunteer. The probationary period will give us a chance to get to know you and for you to ascertain whether the project is meeting your needs.
Supervision. You will receive regular supervision by a named worker, during and after your probationary period
For further information on volunteer advice workers and informal discussion please contact:
Jed Din
Bradford City Centre Project.
4th Floor
City House
27 Cheapside
Bradford
BD1 4HR
Tel: 0845 141 6666
Fax: 01274 254845
- 1 -