Key support service for young people facing homelessness is extended
Young people facing homelessness in Wirral will continue to have access to safe accommodation, personalised support and a stable route towards independent living, thanks to a 12 month extension of ‘The Bridge’ - a supported housing service commissioned by Wirral Council and delivered by Forum Housing Association.
The contract, valued at £148,868, will run from until 28 February 2027, ensuring uninterrupted support for vulnerable people aged 18 - 24 while the council develops plans for a more specialised future provision.
The Bridge provides direct access accommodation for young adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them to build the life skills needed to move on to independent living. Supported accommodation of this kind plays a crucial role in preventing repeat homelessness, reducing tenancy breakdown, and easing pressure on emergency housing services.
No young person should ever find themselves without a safe place to stay, and this decision ensures continuity of support for those who need it most. The Bridge has already helped many young people rebuild stability, confidence and independence.
By extending this contract, we are safeguarding an essential service while we work on developing even more specialist support for residents with complex needs. Tackling homelessness remains one of our top priorities, and this contract extension is a clear demonstration of that commitment.
A statutory five year review of homelessness undertaken in 2025 identified a growing number of people with complex needs - including mental health challenges and social care requirements - who require more specialised support. The decision to extend The Bridge contract ensures stability for young people while the Council explores options for a more integrated, co-commissioned service model between Housing, Adult Social Care and Public Health under its newly adopted Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025–2030.
Forum Housing has delivered this service since 2023, following a competitive tender, and is well-established within the local homelessness support pathway.
