We’ve launched the Hyde Young Care Leaver Pledge

This National Care Leavers’ Month, we’ve strengthened our support for care leavers by launching the Hyde Young Care Leaver Pledge.

Through the pledge, every young care leaver moving into one of our homes will have a one-bedroom home as a minimum. We'll make sure it's freshly decorated and carpeted, and provide important items of furniture such as a sofa, bed and wardrobe.  

We'll make sure they have appliances, such as a fridge, cooker and washing machine, as well as a £250 voucher to help fill the fridge, cupboards and buy everyday essentials so they can start settling in from day one and make their new home their own. Throughout their first year, they’ll also have a dedicated Hyde contact who will help with everything from looking after their home to finding work or training. 

We’re making this commitment because many young people leaving care begin adult life without family or a support network they can rely on. Thousands face homelessness each year, while others are left to manage a home, find work and make important decisions on their own.

Providing a safe, secure home is at the heart of what we do, but we know our role goes beyond that.

Hyde’s Group Chief Executive, Andy Hulme, explains:  

“Most young people know there’s someone they can call when the fridge is empty, a bill doesn’t make sense or life feels too much. Young people leaving care deserve that same reassurance. 

“I want every young person moving into one of our homes to know we’re in their corner. Not just on the day we hand over the keys, but in the weeks, months and years that follow. We can’t replace a family network, but together we can make sure no young person has to face adult life without people backing them.” 

Alongside our pledge, we’ve signed the Care Leaver Covenant, joining organisations across the country that are using their skills and resources to create better opportunities for care leavers. As one of the first housing associations to sign, we hope more housing providers will join us on our mission to support care leavers. 

We’re providing support from the Rees Foundation 

We’ll also fund membership to the Rees Foundation’s ‘Ask Jan’ service for any of our customers with care experience, whatever their age. They’ll get access to advice, wellbeing support and a community of people with similar experiences, so they’ll always have somewhere to turn when they need it. 

Melody Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of the Rees Foundation, shared her support for the pledge:  

“Partnering with Hyde is a fantastic opportunity to support young care leavers as they transition into their new home and begin their next chapter. Hyde’s offer is great and the added benefit of the vital services, advice and guidance they provide will give young people the practical support they need to settle into their tenancy and build a positive future.”  

Find out more 

The Hyde Young Care Leaver Pledge is for young people with care experience aged up to 25 who are moving into one of our homes. Most young people will be referred for a home through their local authority or leaving-care team. You can find out more about the pledge here. 

If you’ve experienced care and already live in one of our homes, you can also ask us about funded access to the Rees Foundation’s Ask Jan service by emailing [email protected] .