Belfast

Services for Young People

A number of young people who approach us each year come from a care background. We work with the Health and Social Care Trusts to provide accommodation for young people leaving care to assist some of the most vulnerable people with the transition to adulthood.

Alongside this we have a bespoke facility at Belfast Foyer for 17- 25 year olds. This project provides tailored programmes designed to help young people achieve sustainable independence. Training is available to assist with budgeting, personal development, living skills and resettlement.

242 Antrim Road, Belfast Area is a new assessment centre for young people aged 16-21. This is a joint initiative with the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and Supporting People, an excellent example of how we are working in partnership to strengthen communities.

Central Access Point/ Freephone Service

Call 0800 171 2222 for general advice, if you are at risk of becoming homeless or if you know someone who is homeless.

This number is manned 24 hours a day. You can get assistance yourself or someone else can refer you.

Rent and Deposit Bond Scheme

A common problem facing many people who are homeless trying to access private rented accommodation is the difficulty in obtaining the necessary finance to fund rent in advance and/ or a deposit.

The Rent and Deposit Bond Scheme has been developed to help people who are homeless overcome this problem. It provides a written Bond to landlords in lieu of rent in advance and/ or a deposit.

If you are interested in the Rent and Deposit Scheme email cap@simoncommunity.org or Freephone on 0800 171 2222.

Harm Reduction Service

This service aims to assist homeless substance users to reduce the harm associated with drug and/ or alcohol use while they are living in a Simon Community project as well as continuing that support when they move back into the community.

Homelessness Prevention Programme

We aim to prevent homelessness by facilitating a coordinated approach to maximise the use of community based resources.

We do this-

By developing local community task groups, consisting of partner agencies.

With a volunteer programme (Training and recruiting programme in place to recruit Community Ambassador Volunteers, Befriending volunteers and Activity Volunteer

By developing engagement with existing local forum/networks etc. in order to ensure that addressing and preventing homelessness is a key component of their strategy. Working together to provide a menu of services, according to the needs of the community.

Developing local community Homelessness Prevention resources, in conjunction with service providers, schools and community / youth groups.

Raising awareness talks can be delivered to any agency / school / community group to inform them of local homelessness issues and the services which we can offer. (These can be adapted for various subjects such as Citizenship, Learning for Life and Work, Health and Social Care etc)

If you would like more information on this programme or wish to enquire about ourprevention talks available to schools, church groups, community groups etc, please do not hesitate in contacting your local team, call 028 90 232882.

Accommodation

We have the following accommodation services in the Belfast Area-

Belfast Foyer                           42 bedsits                      
3-5 Malone Road
BT9 6RT

Cliftonville Avenue                 9X2 bedroom flats
28 Cliftonville Avenue 2x1 bedroom flats
BT14 6BX

Conway Court                          4 X 3   bedroom flats
9 Conway Street                     16 X 2  bedroom flats
BT13 2DE                                 4 X 1  bedroom flats

386 Falls Road                        12 X 1 bedroom flats
BELFAST                                    (includes 1 disabled access)
BT12 6DJ

Magdala Street      (temporarily closed for refurbishment)
Belfast
BT7 1PU

242 Antrim Road                     10 X 1 bedroom flats
BT15 2AR

Falls Road                               20 X 1 bedroom flats
414 Falls Road
BT12 6DJ