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Sidwell Studios

Affordable, self-contained studio flats in the heart of Exeter, designed for working individuals journeying through supported accommodation who are ready for more independence but still benefit from some ongoing support as they continue building the skills and confidence for living on their own.

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Sidwell Studios is a positive community in Exeter city centre, for young people who are at the end of their journey in supported accommodation, but would still like support.

The flats are furnished, with a kitchen space, double bed, toilet and shower room.

Sidwell Studios has wifi throughout the building and an onsite laundry room. There is a community centre right on the doorstep, which is where we host a craft and gaming cafe for Sidwell Studio residents.

As the accommodation is in the city centre, you would need to contact the Council to request a parking permit for any vehicle. The accommodation has a bike shed and is a short walk to Exeter bus station.

 

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Sidwell Studios is designed to meet the needs of young people aged 18-29 who:

 

  • Are currently living in Supported Accommodation (or similar). *
  • Are in employment or ready to enter into employment. *
  • Have a proven ability to successfully manage living independently.
  • Are willing and able to engage in the Sidwell Studios community and with support staff.
  • Seeking Single Person only accommodation.

 

*  We recognise that there are circumstances and situations that do not fit neatly into these two descriptions, and we welcome applications where these situations are given explanations and detail where the applicant feels that this is appropriate.

 

Please find more information in our FAQ section.

There is a free onsite laundrette, with three washing machines, and three tumble dryers. There are also a number of other laundrettes in the local area.

The kitchen is fully furnished including an Oven, hob, and Fridge Freezer.

There are four floors, which includes a lower ground floor that has two step free flats, and our laundrette.

Sidwells Studios is found at the end of Acland Road behind Sidwell Street.  There are doors there, and by Sidwell Community Centre.

There is wifi installed as throughout the building. Please see our MightyNetworks app for further information.

As with any laundrette, it will work on a first come first served basis. While there will be instructions in the laundrette, there will be more in-depth instructions available on our Mighty networks app.

When you move in, you will have a fob for your room, and the front door. You will also be given instructions on how to use an app to unlock your door directly from your phone.

Yes. There is CCTV covering areas inside and outside the building.

Mighty Networks is the name of the app that we use to share information about how Sidwell Studios works, advertise any notices, and share what is happening in the local community.

The app can be found here. Once downloaded, search for YMCA Exeter and follow the sign up process. Please use your real name as it will help speed up processing the join request!

When residents first move in they need to complete our Trainer Programme with their tenancy officer. This can take up to 6 months and involves proactively evidencing some of the independent living skills that we know our residents have learned in supported accommodation, as well as few new steps towards being part of the local community and using YMCA Exeter’s support tools, like our Rent Portal, where you can see exactly how much rent you have paid and what you owe whenever you want.

Once residents complete the Trainer Programme, they move into Stage 4. This stage offers greater independence, but support remains an important part of the journey. Residents work with staff to develop a personalised support plan and are expected to stay engaged with it, including providing evidence of their engagement. Most people live at Sidwell Studios for up to 5 years, although there’s no strict time limit. We also ask Stage 4 residents to take part in the YMCA community at least 6 times a year, whether that is through our digital platform, drop-ins, quizzes, socials, trips, or events, because we believe connection is key to long-term wellbeing.