These are services commissioned by Cheshire East Children’s Services under the Housing Related Support 16+ contract.

Ignition (Leaving Care)

Ignition seeks to find the right accommodation option at the right time on a case by case basis.

The Ignition Panel, which is hosted at YMCA Cheshire on Gresty Road, has been shortlisted for two prestigious national awards, and local authorities across the North West are eager to observe and understand the concept. The concept is simple, in that the panel empowers young people to make their own decisions in regards to their future accommodation. Decisions made with them rather than without them and all providers taking a corporate parent approach to the housing needs of young people.

We use a range of accommodation options including single and shared accommodation in the community and two semi-supported apartments in our main building on Gresty Road. Young people receive regular support to ensure that they are growing the skills to live independently and progress with their futures.

Starting Point

Starting Point is a service for unaccompanied children seeking asylum and seeks to find the right accommodation option at the right time on a case by case basis.

We use a range of accommodation options including single and shared accommodation in the community and at our main building of Gresty Road. Young people receive regular Floating Support to ensure that they are growing the skills to live independently and progress with their futures. Children are also supported in accessing health care and education.

We also run a Starting Point community group for children that Cheshire East work with to promote social inclusion. This runs weekly and gives young people the chance to gather socially with peers and professionals in a relaxed environment.

For more details about any of these services, contact our Gresty Road office on 01270 257673 and ask to speak to Rhian McKnight (Housing and Support Manager) or Becky Parke (Head of Services and Impact).

If you are a Care Leaver and want to find out more about the local offer in the area, click here.