Ambition East Midlands successfully attracted £2.95 million from the Fair Chance Fund which is a national payment by results government initiative. The partnership project will be launched in January 2015 with The Y leading the service in Leicester and Leicestershire. YMCA Derbyshire leading in Derby and P3 in Derbyshire.

There are a number of reasons why homeless young adults are unable to access current local government support including limited bed spaces and the complexity of their needs. This often leads to deepening issues such as involvement in crime, rough sleeping, substance misuse and long term benefit dependency.

Each young adult referred to Ambition will have a link worker who will provide intensive, personalised support that begins by helping them find a stable place to live. They will also be offered guidance on education, training and employment options for the duration of the three year project that will help them avoid the cycle of homelessness.

Anna Maudsley, Housing Director for The Y said: "Our housing-first model will ensure that vulnerable young people will have a secure platform from which to build their aspirations for employment and learning. This would not be possible without the many local organisations who will be playing a role in the delivery of the project."