ERASS

EXODUS

RESTORATIVE ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPORT SERVICE (ERASS)

Introduction

Welcome to EXODUS Restorative Accommodation and Support Service (ERASS). The UK’s first fully restorative high support accommodation service for young people.

About Us

ERASS brings together Upskill U a specialist training consultancy and front line restorative community organisation and Concept Care a leading semi independent supported housing provider.

We provide a number of high-quality accommodations offering a unique therapeutic model aimed at supporting young people with complex needs, who are at risk of violence, exploitation and or victimisation.

Restorative approaches are widely established and accepted both nationally and internationally as a highly effective way of achieving better outcomes for young people and their families.

Adopting restorative approaches into daily practice supports emotional and social development and literacy, whilst equipping young people with critical thinking skills and ability to manage conflict when it occurs.

The ERASS model combines trauma informed and strengths-based approaches along with a range of therapeutic interventions through a structured package of support tailored around the needs of each young person.

All our accommodations provide young people with a safe, nurturing and trusting environment in order to effectively prepare and transition onto independence.

Accredited by the West London Alliance and approved by several Local Authorities across London and the Home Counties.

High Support Accommodation

Young people receive a minimum 25 hours per week targeted support incorporating working 1-1 with their own Restorative Mentor and independent living and life skills training with our experienced team of skilled Support Workers.

Accommodation

High quality, fully furnished, 24-hour supported living accommodation

  • CCTV security and alarms
  • Private rooms with ensuite bathrooms
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Shared kitchen and living area
  • Washing machine and dishwasher

 

Services

We offer each young person a comprehensive, personalised package of support build around their individual needs. Our projects promote positive values, community, structure and routine in order that young people can achieve their full potential.

  • Restorative 1-1 Mentoring built around Upskills’ established EXODUS programme
  • l  Independent Living skills Support Work Health, education, diet and nutrition, employment, citizenship, budgeting, home safety, domestic skills
  • Restorative Mediation and conflict resolution
  • COSA – Circle of Support and Group of 4-5 community volunteers trained in restorative practice who meet regularly with the core member (the young person) for a period of up to 18 months. They supply an added ring of support in desisting from offending and or risky behaviour.
  • 24-hour support including waking
  • Emergency Referrals - including remand placements, young people escaping modern slavery, violence and or
  • In house Counselling /Therapeutic
  • High Support care placements including DOLS, 2-1 and 3-1

Staffing

Many of our staff come with lived experience, culturally competency and relatability. All staff come trained in restorative practice, mentoring, support work and a range of therapeutic methods including trauma informed care, mediation, strengths- based approach and mental skills training.

Clinical supervision is provided to all staff, both individually and by group/team through restorative circles which supports the happiness and positive wellbeing of the team.

We keep one staff on duty during the day and a minimum of one sleeping staff on duty by night. Where necessary we have waking

night staffing where a full risk assessment has been conducted and has been agreed with management and the placing authority.

In addition, each young person is matched with a Support Worker and a Restorative Mentor who provides daily schedule of activities and intervention through a structured care plan. This can be scaled up according to the needs of the young person.

ERASS has its own pool of staff to cover holiday and sickness where necessary.

More About

Restorative Approaches

Restorative practices are an important part of the way in which ERASS support our young people and their families to become better equipped to solve their difficulties and address challenges.
Restorative approaches are built on values which separate the person from the behaviour.

Restorative approaches are based on four key features:

  • RESPECT: for everyone by listening to other opinions and learning to value them
  • RESPONSIBILITY: taking responsibility for your own actions and behaviour
  • REPAIR: developing the skills within our accommodation and community so that its individual members have the necessary skills to find solutions that repair harm and ensure behaviours are not repeated
  • RE-INTEGRATION: working through a structured, supportive process that aims to solve the problem and allows young people to remain in mainstream

When implemented in a whole community approach the use of restorative practices helps to:

  • reduce crime, violence and bullying
  • improve human behaviour
  • strengthen civil society
  • supply effective leadership
  • restore relationships
  • repair harm


The benefits of a restorative approach

  • Everyone has their voice heard
  • It encourages the development of empathy
  • There is no power dynamic
  • Everyone can contribute to an agreement to move forward
  • There is a safe space to explore harm, thoughts, feelings and questions
  • Accountability is
  • The process is led by the needs of participants
  • Builds community

On a practical level ERASS uses restorative approaches in the daily interactions with the young people. They are used for a range of meetings, both formal and informal. These are held in circles, rather than around tables, to remove physical and psychological barriers between people. Meetings may be facilitated by skilled staff to create an environment where those attending can share their thoughts and feelings in a way which is constructive. The focus of these meetings may be to build relationships, solve specific problems or repair harm where there has been conflict.

Trusted

Adults

A contributing factor to the success of our projects is the trusted relationships we form with our young people. Understanding young people’s mental health, helps trusted adults understand the different things that impact on young people’s wellbeing. We believe it is essential professionals understand what it means to be a trusted adult and what is important in relationships with young people. It also helps explore the potential impact of stigma and discrimination for young people.

Upskill recently participated in a research project with the charity Young Minds looking into Trusted Adults and Young Peoples Mental Health (Aug 2022) which spoke extensively to young people and professionals across the UK in a number of settings.

What makes an adult someone to turn to? When is a good time to check in with a young person about their mental health?

Here at ERASS project we use this evidence-based research to find practical ways that our trusted adults can support young people’s mental health and wellbeing, from everyday conversations to crisis support.

Independent

Living Training

We deliver a comprehensive ‘Independent Living Programme’ covering:

Health and Wellbeing
  • Looking after your health, emotions and mental wellbeing
  • Managing negative behaviours, anger and life stresses
  • Keeping safe, looking after oneself, enjoying life appropriately
  • Raising and managing self-esteem, self- image, self-confidence and developing motivation
Education Training and Employment
  • Developing career aspirations and pathways
  • Finding employment or voluntary work
  • Support writing a CV, covering letter and job applications, interview skills and practise interview skills
  • Learning about career management
Daily Essential Living
  • Practical cooking, cleaning, budgeting, washing sessions
  • Cooking on a budget
  • Keeping Track of your money
  • Developing life skills - responsibility, accountability, good decision making, maturity and learning life
  • Understanding and managing issues around identity and social presentation
  • Forming positive relationships with family, partners, neighbours and
Income and Spending
  • Managing and budgeting on daily income streams
  • Understanding the welfare systems, Universal Credit and benefits
  • Paying Tax and National insurance
  • Setting up bank accounts and learning about the banking system
  • Making positive financial choices and focusing on savings
Managing a Home and Tenancy
  • Managing a place of your own
  • Tenancy training – understanding contracts, liabilities and responsibilities
  • How to report fault and repairs
  • Understanding and paying bills
  • Maintaining a home and home safety
Specialist Areas
  • County Lines and Criminal Exploitation
  • Radicalisation and Extremism
  • Sexual exploitation risk / Keeping safe / Sexual vulnerability
  • Substance misuse / Alcohol misuse
  • Mental health / Emotional health

Please view our website for further information about our companies www.upskillu.org and www.conceptcaresupport.co.uk

Our staff are always on hand to offer any assistance.
To talk in-depth about your requirements, or any
questions related to our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.