If you’d like you can download a copy of this guide and the fire training document, please fill in these forms and give them to a member of staff, alternatively use the web form below. We have a useful budget planner you can make a copy of and use as well as download here.
Welcome to Start Again Project
While you are here we want you to feel comfortable and at home.
If there is anything you need or are unsure of please just ask your support worker.
You will be allocated your own room, this will include all the necessities, if you find anything that is not to your satisfaction please contact a member of the team who will be happy to assist you.
Upon arrival you will be allocated your own food cupboard and storage space in the fridge/freezer.
A member of staff will show you how to use the washing machine and cooker.
Your support worker will do some cooking sessions with you and this will help to develop your skills.
The staff will show you around the property including the bathroom. The bathroom is shared so please don’t soak in the bath for hours in case someone needs the toilet. Please clean the bathroom after you have used it.
The house needs to be kept clean and today. This is the responsibility of you and other young persons, please wash up after yourself.
You will be expected to have at least one session a week to discuss your progress and level of support.
We will register you with the local GP, dentist and opticians and support you to attend. If you would like to attend these appointments independently, staff will give you suitable directions, methods of transport and times.
If you have ongoing illnesses not in need of medication, medical attention or become unwell throughout the night please let us know as soon as possible.
If you want help with sexual health appointments staff will support you on this. There is a number for the local sexual health clinic located in the useful numbers form. Staff will accompany you to appointments if needed and also we can order self testing kits in some local areas, please ask a member of staff if this is something you would prefer.
We can also offer support helping you budget your monthly income and outgoings. Feel free to use our budgeting sheet, designed for our residents – Create your own copy, or download using our Google Spreadsheet
You will be given the duty number in case of emergency this will be with your list of contacts.
We expect you to buy your own food, although we do stock some basics and emergency food parcels, please do not expect these to be accessed on a regular basis.
You are responsible for your own belongings, so if you allow other young people into your room or do not lock your door, or leave items in the communal areas and they go missing, we are not responsible.
We carry out room check on a four weekly basis, this is to ensure there is no damaged or broken furniture and all electrical sockets are working etc, This is done for your own safety. We will give you notice of checks. If you wish to rearrange the time or day this is possible. If you refuse we will enter your room with 2 members of staff, checks are carried out by your social worker and a member of management.
Our properties are mostly based in Birmingham and Walsall areas, with lots of events and activities to attend all year round. Here are just a few places to visit;
Birmingham
Educational & Personal Development
- Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum – Interactive science and tech museum.
- Library of Birmingham – Modern public library with study spaces, events, and exhibitions.
- MAC Birmingham (Midlands Arts Centre) – Creative workshops and performances.
- South & City College Birmingham – Career guidance and vocational courses.
Social & Leisure
- Birmingham Bullring & Grand Central – Shopping, food, and hangout spots.
- Digbeth (Custard Factory) – Urban creative hub with street art, music, events.
- O2 Academy – Popular music venue for young people into live gigs.
Outdoor & Physical Activity
- Cannon Hill Park – Boating, mini golf, and open space for socialising.
- Aston Hall & Park – Historic site and green space near Aston.
- Edgbaston Reservoir – Walking, running, and watersports.
Walsall
Educational & Personal Development
- Walsall Leather Museum – Local heritage learning experience.
- New Art Gallery Walsall – Free exhibitions, great for creative exploration.
- Walsall College – Offers vocational and career-focused education.
- YMCA Walsall & Youth Services – Activities, workshops, and support for youth.
Social & Leisure
- Walsall Town Centre – Cinema, cafes, and retail spots for low-cost leisure.
- Showcase Cinema Dudley (nearby) – Modern entertainment venue.
- The Light Cinema (Walsall) – Movies, arcade, bowling, and chill zone.
Outdoor & Physical Activity
- Walsall Arboretum – Huge park with lakes, sports areas, and free events.
- Reedswood Park – Skate park, sports courts, and green space.
- Willenhall Memorial Park – Small but active park for socialising and walking.
Included in this pack there is a drill document, please read this and sign too say you understand, If you will be staying elsewhere overnight please let us know as if we can’t get hold of you we will have to report you missing to the police.
If you have any problems please speak to your support worker or a manager, they will try to assist you, you can also contact your social worker. We do want to reassure you that it is well within your right to complain, and we would not end your placement if you have a complaint. There are complaints and compliments forms which enable you to raise any issues etc.
We also expect that you are in college or training, if for any reason you are not we will encourage you and help you to access courses or employment of your choice. Your support worker is there to help and advise you including employment searches and CV writing.
BEHAVIOUR
In order to keep you safe and to keep all others in the house safe there has to be house rules.
We have a list of acceptable behaviours and unacceptable behaviours that carry consequences.
● Please speak up if there is a problem you need help with.
● Please speak up if you are struggling with any tasks.
● Please say if you do not agree with anything that is asked of you.
● Please speak to your worker if you feel threatened by any other person.
● Please do not lend or give any money to any other young person.
● Please tell your worker if any other young person encourages you to do anything you are not happy to do including drinking smoking, taking drugs, criminal activity or meeting people you do not know.
● Please clean up after yourself.
● Be respectful to anyone in the house.
● Attend your key working sessions.
● Please keep music to a minimum.
● Please keep noise down at night-time.
● Please keep your address safe from people you know.
Unacceptable behaviours
● Drug and alcohol on property.
● Smoking in the building.
● Bullying of others.
● Assault on others.
● Deliberate criminal damage.
● Bringing visitors to the house that are not agreed or assessed.
● Overnight stays.
● Verbal abuse, including racial, gender, or abilities.
● Theft and damage of other people’s property.
● Encouraging others of criminal activities outside the property.
Consequences
Any of the above can result in a written warning and/or discussion with your support worker, as to whether you are able to manage with the support that we offer. Serious incidents can result in placement ending.
Fire evacuation
● Upon discovering a fire please raise the alarm.
● If the fire alarm goes off please make your way to the nearest exit.
● Exits will be clearly marked.
● Please do not stop to collect belongings.
● Please make your way to the designated point for roll call.
E-safety
● I will keep myself safe when using the internet.
● I will not give out any personal details online, such as my name or address.
● I will not arrange to meet any persons from the internet.
● I will not use offensive language or behaviours.
● I will not access any unauthorised sites.
● I understand that I will also not disclose any other young persons details.
● I will not use the internet for bullying.