Hundreds of people experiencing homelessness and complex challenges across Halton are set to receive support through new supported accommodation services being delivered by You Matter, the organisation formerly known as YMCA Together.

Appointed by Halton Borough Council, You Matter will deliver support across Brennan Lodge in Widnes and Halton Lodge in Runcorn, helping adults aged 18 and over access safe accommodation, rebuild confidence and move towards more settled, independent futures.

The services will provide safe accommodation and support for people facing homelessness and other complex challenges, helping individuals rebuild confidence, develop life skills and begin getting their lives back on track. The support is designed around ‘what matters most’ to each person, helping people build more stable and independent futures.

The announcement marks one of the first major developments for You Matter since the charity unveiled its new name last month, as the organisation continues to grow its work across homelessness, housing, wellbeing and community support services across the Liverpool City Region.

Ellie McNeil, Chief Executive Officer of You Matter, said: “We’re really pleased to be bringing these services into You Matter and to be working alongside Halton Borough Council to support people across the borough.

“For many people, supported accommodation can be the first step towards feeling safe, stable and able to move forward again. Alongside accommodation itself, it’s about listening, building trust and helping people rediscover their confidence and strengths.

“As You Matter, our name comes from the belief that every person deserves to feel valued, supported and listened to, so it feels especially important to be sharing news like this so soon into our new chapter.”

The appointment also marks You Matter’s expansion of homelessness support services into Halton, with the organisation saying it is looking forward to building long-term relationships across the borough.

Ellie added: “We know there’s already a lot of good work happening across the borough and we’re looking forward to becoming part of that wider support network.”

You Matter has supported people experiencing homelessness since 1846 and currently delivers more than 800 units of short-term supported accommodation across Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley.

The charity works across homelessness, housing, mental health, addiction recovery, wellbeing and community support services throughout the Liverpool City Region, with a belief in supporting people, not problems.