Kite mark for supported housing

Dudley Council has worked in partnership with the police, young people, a charity called St Christophers and the University of East London to develop the kite mark.

Supported accommodation is for young people aged 18 to 25 which helps them prepare for living on their own.

There are approximately 40 providers of supported accommodation of this kind of housing across Dudley borough and the aim of the kite mark is to raise standards and provide reassurance to young people that their home will be decent.

To achieve the kite mark providers must demonstrate how they will meet a set of criteria, which includes providing quality accommodation and support.

The kite mark has been developed with the help of young people who are currently living in supported accommodation, such as CHADD (Churches Housing Association of Dudley & District) and will be aligned with standards recently outlined by Ofsted, as the regulator for supported accommodation.

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

When we launched our Child Friendly Dudley initiative, our aim was and remains to help all children and young people in our borough to thrive.

It’s important that we remember that Child Friendly Dudley is about supporting young people not just children, including those who are reaching adulthood and beyond for those with Special Educational Needs

This is a fantastic initiative, which helps fulfil the brief of Child Friendly Dudley by putting the needs of our young people at its very heart.

It’s right that we put measures in place to give our young people the reassurance they need that they will have a quality home with the support they need.

Anna Walsh, chief executive office at CHADD, said:

We are delighted to have a played a part in the formation of the Kite Mark, setting a high standard for supported housing in the borough.  Most importantly our young people have played a central role in setting the bar for providers, and we are proud to see their voices have been heard through this project.

The kite mark will be launched in the coming months. Providers can find out more and apply for the kite mark by emailing supportingpeople.dachs@dudley.gov.uk

If successful, the accreditation will be awarded by the University of East London.