Urgently needed move-on housing for young people is taking shape in Paignton  

Eight new homes in Paignton will soon be opening their doors to local young people urgently needing to move on from Torbay’s higher supported accommodation, foster placements, and supported living arrangements into homes focused on developing independent living skills. 

The new homes developed by YMCA Exeter, in collaboration with Torbay Council and YMCA South Devon will be the first of their kind with wrap-around services, specially designed to support young people back into meaningful occupation.  

“There is an urgent need for move-on accommodation in Torbay so that local young people can have a home in their own area and receive the support they need, enabling them to develop further and begin contributing to the local economy and society,” says Gareth Sorsby, YMCA Exeter Joint CEO. “For young people who have been homeless or are moving out of care, they have incredible potential to thrive, but often just need the right combination of support and stable home environment  to make that possible. 

In the UK today, Youth homelessness is at a record high. In 2024, more than 118,000 young people faced homelessness, with the total annual cost of youth homelessness amounting to an astonishing £8.5 billion.  

Almost 65% of the total costs associated with homeless young people are due to a lack of employment and the inability to contribute to the national economic output. 

Since October 2023, Torbay has seen an 180% increase in 18-25-year-olds in Band B on the Housing Options waiting list, at high risk of homelessness and urgently in need of somewhere to live.  

YMCA Exeter’s unique supported housing pathway scheme, currently being established in Torbay will provide affordable, safe homes, alongside support, volunteering opportunities and training. This will enable young people who were previously homeless to regain their independence, learn skills and enter employment.  

“We know from years of experience that young people need to be able to see what they can achieve and what their future could look like if they commit to a support plan and are motivated to succeed,” explains Gareth.  

“Our Supported Housing Pathway in Exeter has a 100% success rate of young people moving through our Stage 2, 3 and 4 housing, gaining the stability and confidence to move into their own long-term tenancies. The move-on experience is essential for each young person, providing a sense of achievement and progression.” 

Each local young person who moves into YMCA Exeter’s new homes in Paignton will join the charity’s unique supported housing pathway. YMCA Exeter has dedicated staff to provide housing support, but also a team to engage each young person in volunteering, training, education and employment support. 

With over 40 years of experience delivering long-term affordable housing for young people in Exeter, YMCA Exeter is delighted that this new initiative has been made possible through significant investment from the Homes England Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP).   

YMCA Exeter will soon welcome the first residents into the eight new affordable homes, specifically designed for 18–25-year-olds transitioning from Torbay’s higher supported accommodation, foster placements, and supported living arrangements. 

Paignton-based builder, Sean, is leading the refurbishment project with his local company Refined Build. 

“There are so many empty hotels in Torquay and so many young people in need of a home,” says Sean. “I see what YMCA Exeter has done in Exeter and I’m so glad to be part of this. It’s nothing but amazing. 

“This new contract has changed everything for our small, local business and I’m delighted to be able to take on new, young people from Torbay. As my company grows I’ve got the opportunity to help people and promote the youth through it. I can take on new local workers. And that’s the knock-on effect.” 

Through the YMCA Exeter project, Refined Build has created five new full-time jobs in the construction industry for residents of Torbay.  

YMCA Exeter is inviting local individuals and businesses to support this new development by helping equip the rooms for each young person. To find out more visit ymcaexeter.org.uk/torbayestablished/