Project John supports young, homeless and vulnerable people aged between 16 – 25 years old.

It was set up in 1993 to offer young people, safe, decent supported accommodation. 
Young people are allocated a support worker, and they work together to ensure young people can sustain their tenancy and live independently.

To make sure they meet the needs of the people that depend on their work and support, the project needed additional space, and naturally a town centre location was deemed to be the ideal solution.

Planning permission has been granted for Project John to move into a new town centre facility. The former Young’s Furniture Store on Cavendish Street will now be the next exciting step for the group to grow into.

The 3 storey property will have a café run by homeless young people, training facilities and a number of business offices. Citizen’s Advice and Barrow Dad’s Group will also be housed in the building, making full use of the additional space in the property too.

To be able to continue the fantastic work, in a town centre environment is a significant step to developing and growing the range of services Project John can offer. This, in turn makes sure that the people who need help really reap the benefits.

The support Project John offers is really about helping young people to help themselves, it’s about development, learning, building relationships, skills, confidence, hopes and aspirations. 
It may be helping out with benefits and budgeting, someone to talk to, finding training or education, life skill and learning to live independently. They offer housing and support for up to two years, then offering them a resettlement package which is tailored to the individual needs, based on their ability to manage a tenancy, cope with independent living and resettle into the local community. The aim is to reduce the tenancy failure rate and promote the re-engagement of young people with existing support structures to enable the development of practical skills alongside emotional independence. 

This new location will help them immensely in changing young people’s lives.