Lewisham Council has extended its contract with Single Homeless Project (SHP) to continue providing specialist supported housing for young people in the borough.
The Mayor and Cabinet approved the one-year extension, valued at £585,370.80, which will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This service provides accommodation and support to 43 young people aged 16 to 21, including 28 units specifically for Lewisham Care Leavers.
The supported housing aims to enhance pathway planning for care leavers, helping them transition into independent living and reduce long-term dependency on other services.
Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, highlighted the positive impact of the service, stating it ensures continuity of care for vulnerable young people, improves pathway planning, and supports co-production with young people.
Extending the contract ensures that young people leaving care or facing housing instability continue to receive consistent structured support,
Councillor Bell said. He also noted that the service helps young people transition into independent living by providing guidance on tenancy agreements, budgeting, and accessing benefits, empowering them with life skills.
Councillor Huynh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, supported Councillor Bell's comments, emphasising the crucial role the service plays in safeguarding vulnerable young people. The Young Person Specialist Service provides a crucial role in safeguarding our most vulnerable children and young people,
he said, adding that it provides essential support and protection from harm, setting them up with a strong foundation to flourish in adulthood.
The service aligns with broader goals for the health and well-being board, such as co-locating housing and benefits services with community health support. This integrated approach aims to improve access and outcomes for young people in this category.
The decision was made during the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where various other housing and financial matters were also discussed, as detailed in the Public reports pack.
