Improved digital wraparound support for young people at risk of homelessness. (360G-CR-4926296)

We work with young people (YP) aged 16-25 who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or leaving care. All have experienced disadvantage and multiple adverse childhood experiences, many have experienced trauma. In 2020 covid-19 pushed YP further away from support networks, with significant increases in loneliness (+55%), mental health issues (+97%) and self-harm/suicidal thoughts (+38.5%) in the South West (Kooth Data Release, Aug 2020). ?Loneliness and Isolation? was chosen by our Youth Board as the year?s strategic priority. In CAST Explore we learned how technology can bridge gaps in communication and prevent YP becoming disengaged. However, adopted technologies bring their own challenges, and alone they're not enough. In CAST Definition we?re learning how to tailor our remote communication, reflecting our diversity of service and YP?s complex needs. We plan to build on this using a research framework created for 1625ip (Paul Hamlyn Foundation funded). We learned that we need to offer a hybrid service (in-person and virtual) with the flexibility to change with the needs of the YP and our organisation e.g. from different locations or at different times. This means providing access to wraparound support in new ways, maximising uptake and impact as circumstances change. Complementing this we need digital solutions to be YP-centred. Each YP is different and facing multiple challenges (e.g. around accommodation, employment, education or training, money, relationships, health and wellbeing, and skills). Solutions must give YP autonomy to decide how to participate (1:1 & group) and build relationships with peers and adults. Through unique access to and understanding of YP, we will create a replicable set of digital adaptations to promote engagement with relationship-based support. The solution will: ? Be co-produced by service users ? Be flexible, designed to build relationships and respond to changes in need ? Be YP-centred, with service users choosing they engage ? Allow for consistent use ? Help YP develop skills & confidence with digital