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PHASES
Origins
PHASES is a small registered charity operating in South London. Its projects explore different ways in which construction work can improve both the environment and the lives of its trainees.
They help a wide range of marginalised people - the homeless, offenders, those with health problems and the long-term unemployed. PHASES found that some of their clients had experience in construction but had lost touch with it due to their personal problems and that others wanted to move in that direction, but needed to acquire skills and qualifications. However, they were aware that opportunities to get onto construction training courses in London were limited and that what was available tended to be too inflexible for their clients and provided insufficient support.
The Training Project
PHASES therefore decided to set up some training of their own which would be in a real working environment and in a building which would actually be renovated for occupation. They used their contacts in Southwark and spoke with the Regeneration department of the Council, hoping to sell our idea to them. Ultimately, they were able to secure a 10 year lease on a disused 1960s former GP’s surgery in Camberwell next to a tower block, which comprised a ground floor surgery with a three bed flat above which used to be attached to the surgery. The building had been empty for about seven years, but had no major structural issues.
After assembling funding (see below) they began the training and renovation programme in August 2007. The downstairs was renovated as offices for themselves and another charity. The first floor was re-instated as a self-contained three-bed flat with living room and kitchen and has been let to a family on the Council’s waiting list.
Further renovations
Following the Camberwell project, PHASES have renovated a former lock-up shop in Rotherhithe which now provides it with a training centre. It has also renovated a three bedroom flat in Rotherhithe and a two bedroom flat in Peckham. The last project was through an arrangement with a private owner and will be featured on the BBC programme ‘Britain’s Empty Homes’ in January 2011.
The Trainees
During these projects trainees learn various skills including: plaster boarding; plastering; carpentry; and painting & decorating. They also have the chance to develop their skills working as a team. In addition, they are provided with support to access further training and ultimately paid employment. That said, some trainees simply want to improve their DIY skills in readiness for a move from a hostel to their own self-contained accommodation.
Funding
PHASES has accessed Empty Homes grant through Southwark Council to help with the cost of renovations. They have also received help from CRASH, the construction industry charity. Otherwise they raise grant funding for training and try to tap into pro bono services from professionals such as surveyors and structural engineers.
Next Steps
PHASES have good relations with their local Empty Property Officer and the Council. They have a number of properties in the pipeline and are currently focusing on their financing model.
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