Project 101

Project 101 is our youth housing information service.

If you are from East Dunbartonshire, aged 14-25 years old and experiencing housing or homelessness issues then we may be able to help you.

We can provide you with information and advice and signpost you to other agencies who may also be able to help.

Staff at Project 101 can advise young people who are considering their accommodation options if they:

• Have nowhere to stay
• Want more independence
• Want to live somewhere new
• Want to plan ahead
• Are considering leaving home
• Are moving away from the area to work or go to College/University.

If you feel you are ready to leave home, Project 101 staff will provide information and advice on how to prepare for the realities of running your own home.

Including the following:

• Housing options
• Housing Associations applications
• Completing application forms
• Accessing private rented accommodation
• Linking you to other agencies
• Budgeting
• Accessing employment opportunities
• Coping with living on your own
• Assisting you in keeping your tenancy.

• New Young Tenant Visits (settling-in visit when you move into your first home)
• Independent Living Skills (a short course designed to give you some of the skills you will need to maintain or prepare you for your tenancy)
• Facebook page for information and to allow you to leave a message at a time that suits you
• One-to-one support (if you require ongoing support a member of staff will advise you on making the right decisions)
• School Inputs (inputs to local school pupils to provide information on housing options in East Dunbartonshire)
• Bed and Breakfast Packs (support to sustain emergency accommodation)
• Budget cookery sessions (workshops with an emphasis on cooking healthy food on a low budget)
• Signposting to other agencies (staff will ensure you are pointed in the right direction for the best support available) including partnerships with the Lennox partnership to support your employability
• Mediation service to support you remaining at the family home/shared accommodation or to sustain a strong and healthy relationship to allow you to have the best support when you are ready to move out.

If you are looking to access housing in the East Dunbartonshire area we can:

• Give advice and information on applying for Council housing and help you to complete a housing application form
• Provide a list of Housing Associations and information on how to apply for a Housing Association tenancy
• Assist you if you are seeking private or socially rented accommodation
• Explain your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
• Provide top tips about moving into your accommodation
• Help you complete the forms
• Help you get any benefits you are due.

Project 101 provides an Independent Living Skills Course which consists of a weekly session every Tuesday for four weeks. The course helps young people prepare for a first tenancy or sustain a current tenancy.

Topics covered are:

• Budgeting
• Home safety
• Rights and responsibilities as a tenant
• Gaining knowledge of housing services and housing options
• What benefits and grants are available to you
• Home maintenance.

If you or someone you know would benefit from the course, you can complete the referral form below and return it to Project 101. You can self-refer via Facebook or have an agency such as local housing office, school or social work refer you.

All young people aged 16 to 25 years who receive a tenancy from East Dunbartonshire Council are offered a New Young Tenant Visit to find out how they are settling in, and to discuss any issues or concerns they may have. All young people are also eligible for a new Young Tennant Pack (NYTP) These starter packs include useful household items and information. If you need to, ask for help and ongoing support will be provided.

If you have recently received a tenancy and not had a visit then contact Project 101, you can drop in and see us, call, e-mail or text.

Project 101 produces a newsletter every three months. The newsletters are available online via Facebook. Copies are also available from Project 101 If you would prefer a paper copy. They feature useful tips, upcoming events and competitions.

If you have any ideas for articles you would like to see included in future newsletters, please get in touch with a member of staff at Project 101.

The sessions run twice weekly on a Monday afternoon or a Tuesday morning to allow you to choose a session that works best for you. The sessions run for 8 weeks allowing you plenty of time to learn new recipes and hone your skills in the kitchen.

You will learn about food hygiene, kitchen hacks and how to cook healthy and enjoyable meals on any budget. On completion of the course you will receive a handy cook book to make all your favourite and new recipes as well as a certificate and voucher for a local super market.

Chance to chat is Project 101s youth mental health support group, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and provide support for young people within East Dunbartonshire. Chance to chat is free attend and runs on the first Thursday of every month.

Like Project 101 on Facebook.