batten House: next steps Project

Batten House is our residential home, created to assist formally homeless or vulnerably housed individuals, who have completed rehabilitation but need ongoing support with their dependency issues, whilst rebuilding their lives in preparation for independent living.

At Batten House, we provide: five hours support a week to each individual within a home setting, a safe haven with a structured activity-based programme that includes: a housework rota, fellowship support meetings, group discussions, social events, regular support from a key worker, plus the ongoing peer to peer support the residents offer each other.

The Walk to Freedom Foundation currently operates 4 bed spaces at Batten House.

Referral criteria for supported accommodation at Batten House: 

1. They must be clean post-rehab; for at least three months.

2. Male. 

3. Single.

4. Aged: 21 to 65.

5. Must be eligible to receive Housing Benefit and prepared to stay at the residence for a minimum term of six months.

6. Whilst there is no maximum stay, the resident should be prepared to enter into a review on next steps if they have resided at the property for more than 6 months. 

7. Batten house is a completely abstinent house. No alcohol is permitted on the premises. Recovering addicts/alcoholics considered based on individuals needs & condition.

8. Be prepared to have random swab/urine tests if required.

9. Must not have a criminal conviction for any sexual offences or offences against children.

10. Must not be a prolific self-harmer.

11. Cannot keep pets at the residence, we are in the process of reviewing this.

Support Related Referral Criteria:

1. They can have medium support needs.

2. Must have a desire to be helped towards positive change.

3. Must be willing to abide by: the House Rules, Regulations and License Agreement.

4. Must be willing to engage with the project and participate in meaningful activities. These could include: volunteering, training & education, skill development, employment or other paid work etc. the target for this is a minimum of 10 hours per week.

5. Must be willing to work with Pastoral Mentor weekly to meet the objectives of their Support Plan including engaging with (and not restricted to) - relevant activities, residents meetings or coaching workshops.

Next steps:

If the answers to the above are yes, then please contact Annie Oliver for a Expression of Interest form, from: annie@walktofreedom.co.uk then simply fill this out and return to us.

Any questions? Please contact Annie on the email address shown above.

We also recognise everyone’s journey out of dependency is unique. Should you feel you have someone who may be very close to the above criteria, (this is non-negotiable on any safeguarding-related issues, we obviously have to add) but would benefit greatly from being part of our programme, we’re happy to discuss options upon this on an individual basis.