A CHARITY which seeks to address and prevent homelessness amongst young people in Bromsgrove has won a new contract with the county council.

Worcestershire County Council has renewed the commissioned contract with the Basement Project for the next two years.

The contract will provide floating support across the county for young people aged 18 to 21years, who need help to maintain their tenancy.

The Basement Project, based in Bromsgrove, are the lead organisation in a consortium that works with Rooftop Housing to provide floating support in the south of the county and with Redditch Nightstop to cover Redditch.

The County Council contract will allow all three organisations to continue offering support to young people in Worcestershire who may otherwise struggle or get into difficulties with their tenancy and subsequently become homeless.

Jackie Hooper from the Basement Project said: "A report by shelter in 2012 stated that the cost of one tenancy failure is around £24,500.

"This continuation of our contract with the county council is recognition of the service and value for money that we offer which in turn will bring savings for the county financially."

The floating support that the consortium provides is primarily around tenancy sustainment but also offers help that covers a wide variety of issues that enable young people to stay in their homes.

The team helps many young people who do not have access to computers for online applications to claim benefits or complete job or college applications.

Some have difficulty understanding letters that they receive while others struggle to negotiate debt repayments, set up utility accounts or are lacking other life skills such as budgeting.

One of the young people helped by the service said: "I do not know where I would be without the help I have received. I certainly would not be in my own home."

If you need support, contact The Basement Project on 01527 832993.