- +44203 731 6729
- Info@upskillu.org
Welcome to EXODUS Restorative Accommodation and Support Service (ERASS). The UK’s first fully restorative high support accommodation service for young people.
ERASS brings together Upskill U a specialist training consultancy and front line restorative community organisation and Concept Care a leading semi independent supported housing provider.
We provide a number of high-quality accommodations offering a unique therapeutic model aimed at supporting young people with complex needs, who are at risk of violence, exploitation and or victimisation.
Restorative approaches are widely established and accepted both nationally and internationally as a highly effective way of achieving better outcomes for young people and their families.
Adopting restorative approaches into daily practice supports emotional and social development and literacy, whilst equipping young people with critical thinking skills and ability to manage conflict when it occurs.
The ERASS model combines trauma informed and strengths-based approaches along with a range of therapeutic interventions through a structured package of support tailored around the needs of each young person.
All our accommodations provide young people with a safe, nurturing and trusting environment in order to effectively prepare and transition onto independence.
Accredited by the West London Alliance and approved by several Local Authorities across London and the Home Counties.
High Support Accommodation
Young people receive a minimum 25 hours per week targeted support incorporating working 1-1 with their own Restorative Mentor and independent living and life skills training with our experienced team of skilled Support Workers.
High quality, fully furnished, 24-hour supported living accommodation
We offer each young person a comprehensive, personalised package of support build around their individual needs. Our projects promote positive values, community, structure and routine in order that young people can achieve their full potential.
Many of our staff come with lived experience, culturally competency and relatability. All staff come trained in restorative practice, mentoring, support work and a range of therapeutic methods including trauma informed care, mediation, strengths- based approach and mental skills training.
Clinical supervision is provided to all staff, both individually and by group/team through restorative circles which supports the happiness and positive wellbeing of the team.
We keep one staff on duty during the day and a minimum of one sleeping staff on duty by night. Where necessary we have waking
night staffing where a full risk assessment has been conducted and has been agreed with management and the placing authority.
In addition, each young person is matched with a Support Worker and a Restorative Mentor who provides daily schedule of activities and intervention through a structured care plan. This can be scaled up according to the needs of the young person.
ERASS has its own pool of staff to cover holiday and sickness where necessary.
Restorative practices are an important part of the way in which ERASS support our young people and their families to become better equipped to solve their difficulties and address challenges.
Restorative approaches are built on values which separate the person from the behaviour.
Restorative approaches are based on four key features:
When implemented in a whole community approach the use of restorative practices helps to:
The benefits of a restorative approach
On a practical level ERASS uses restorative approaches in the daily interactions with the young people. They are used for a range of meetings, both formal and informal. These are held in circles, rather than around tables, to remove physical and psychological barriers between people. Meetings may be facilitated by skilled staff to create an environment where those attending can share their thoughts and feelings in a way which is constructive. The focus of these meetings may be to build relationships, solve specific problems or repair harm where there has been conflict.
A contributing factor to the success of our projects is the trusted relationships we form with our young people. Understanding young people’s mental health, helps trusted adults understand the different things that impact on young people’s wellbeing. We believe it is essential professionals understand what it means to be a trusted adult and what is important in relationships with young people. It also helps explore the potential impact of stigma and discrimination for young people.
Upskill recently participated in a research project with the charity Young Minds looking into Trusted Adults and Young Peoples Mental Health (Aug 2022) which spoke extensively to young people and professionals across the UK in a number of settings.
What makes an adult someone to turn to? When is a good time to check in with a young person about their mental health?
Here at ERASS project we use this evidence-based research to find practical ways that our trusted adults can support young people’s mental health and wellbeing, from everyday conversations to crisis support.
We deliver a comprehensive ‘Independent Living Programme’ covering:
Please view our website for further information about our companies www.upskillu.org and www.conceptcaresupport.co.uk
Our staff are always on hand to offer any assistance. To talk in-depth about your requirements, or any questions related to our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.