How the CFO Activity Hubs Gave ST a 'Fresh Start' Following a Flat Fire

• The Creating Future Opportunities (CFO) Yorkshire Activity Hubs provide a safe space where people on probation can engage in a range of social, creative, and group activities.
• The purpose of the Hubs is to promote participant wellbeing and social reintegration. 
• Find out how the Hubs helped ST get back on his feet. 

The CFO Activity Hubs in Yorkshire aim to tackle the barriers that make it difficult for individuals to access support in areas such as education, skills development, and employability. Part-funded by the European Social Fund, the Hubs aim to overcome some of the barriers that make it difficult for individuals to access support in areas such as education, skills development, and employability.

ST was referred to the Hub in 2022 after a fire damaged his flat. Having been forced into temporary accommodation and struggling with his mental health, ST was encouraged to seek support.

ST struggled to communicate, finding it difficult to live with the other people in his temporary accommodation – this often meant he came across as aggressive to other housemates and the landlady. These challenges led ST to drink excessively, which in the past had been a cause of his offending behaviours.

Over the space of two months, ST’s support worker worked closely with him, his probation officer, and his housing officer to receive regular updates on ST’s property, making sure he had furniture, an accessible kitchen, and that the property was safe. His support worker also worked to ensure ST was looking after himself mentally and physically, offering support when he was at his lowest points. ST recently moved back into his property.

When speaking about his experience at the Hub, ST said: “I feel like this is a fresh start for me and crackers - my rabbit. I know I have a little way to go but I could not have got through these past few weeks without the Hub. Thank you so much. I really mean that.”

Looking forward, ST is awaiting a new sofa and washing machine. He has also asked that his support worker helps him with budgeting and applying for a new driver's license.

Find Out More

Get in touch with the Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs to learn about a range of tailored support, including one-to-one advice, guidance, and group work. The service aims to help people on probation reintegrate into society. 

For more information about the Growth Company CFO Activity Hubs visit: The Growth Company - Employment - Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs (gcemployment.uk)