Examples: PALS Group, Merseyside
The PALS Group is in the North West of England and was set up by families who were struggling to find somewhere for their young people to live in their local area.
We are supporting the PALS group to build some communal areas for their young people. The group have done lots of work to make sure the house will be what their young people want. We think it’s important for the young people living in these houses to be involved in how they are set up.
Below you can see the notes from the planning meetings they held.
The PALS Group is in the North West of England and was set up by families who were struggling to find somewhere for their young people to live in their local area.
We are supporting the PALS group to build some communal areas for their young people. The group have done lots of work to make sure the house will be what their young people want. We think it’s important for the young people living in these houses to be involved in how they are set up.
Below you can see the notes from the planning meetings they held.
Questions that were discussed were amongst others:
Why do you want to live in a different house and independently?
- I would like some peace and quiet
- I would like to be on my own and make my own choices
- I would like to be more independent and learn to do things for myself
- I would like to be with my friends and do things together
- I would like my own flat, like my brothers, and invite my family to visit
- It will help me have a good relationship with my mum and dad. I won’t be coming back home to live
What would you need in your new flat?
- A dishwasher and a hoover
- Kitchen equipment, such as a wok, cheese grater, frying pan and pizza cutter
- A washer / dryer and a space for my bike
- A big fridge full of food so I can share it with my friends
- A new, big, double bed with two pillows and a duvet
- A microwave to cook meals for my friends
What would you need in your new flat?
- A dishwasher and a hoover
- Kitchen equipment, such as a wok, cheese grater, frying pan and pizza cutter
- A washer / dryer and a space for my bike
- A big fridge full of food so I can share it with my friends
- A new, big, double bed with two pillows and a duvet
- A microwave to cook meals for my friends
What can we use the communal area for?
- To cook and eat together
- To have parties
- To watch television together, maybe Sky Sports
- To socialise, have a coffee or just chat
- To meet up and make plans with our friends
- To do quiet things like arts and crafts, or jigsaws
- DVD and film nights with popcorn and crisps
- To work together in the garden and plant flowers
- Sit outside together when the sun shines
What about the area?
- We are close to the park where we could have nice walks or bike rides with friends and family
- We are close to social groups some of us go to and maybe we could use the garden centre and the coffee shop more, or even work there
- Aldi is within walking distance for shopping
- The cinema, bowling alley and McDonalds are close
- Several gyms are close by
- We can walk to the bus stops on the main road for buses to the main towns near us
All young adults are genuinely excited by the prospect of moving, although with some trepidation. All, but one are currently still living at the family home and it will mean a big change for them and for their families
