Case Study for Forest Hill project
In December 09 LYST launched its first live workspace units for the purpose of both housing and accommodating workspace for seven of our ex offender clients.
LYST recognised the difficulties ex offenders had in finding living accommodation once they had been released from custody; this was a major barrier to them when they were exploring the possibilities of starting an enterprise. Ex offenders are one of LYST’s target client groups.
LYST struck up a relationship with London & Quadrent housing association and put to them the idea of accommodating seven of our ex offender clients in their live/workspace homes.
L&Q loved the idea and gave LYST four properties; three two bedrooms and one, one bedroom.
The two bedrooms are occupied by two clients sharing who will be in partnership in business and the one bedroom is for our “anchor tenant”. The anchor tenant is an older male of similar background to that of the clients whose roll is to oversee the clients are living in harmony and tackle any immediate issues which may arise.
Since moving in all the clients have been working on their business plans to put forward to the Prince’s Trust business panel this year, once they have funding in place they will be using their studio space for carrying out businesses.
Two of the clients are working on a social enterprise which will provide affordable transport for the families of people in custody who are on low income or benefits and can not afford the travel costs to visit their loved ones. Another business is one of a printing service which will provide a service to businesses in printing logo’s on uniforms as well as going to festivals and providing printing for t shirts and hoodies. The last business will be a building company, the young men have both acquired qualifications in building services while in custody, they will provide services to both domestic clients and corporate companies.
This is a pilot project and so far things are going to plan.
Watch this space for updates on further developments.
