Young people find “sense of security” at Greig House Lifehouse

“There is a sense of security here and it feels like home” is how one resident describes his experience living at a new Salvation Army Lifehouse (hostel) for young people who are homeless.

These are the words of 18-year-old Jack*, one of 20 young people now living in Greig House in Tower Hamlets, London and who enjoyed his first Christmas there. 

This new service at Greig House, which is commissioned by Tower Hamlets Council and run by The Salvation Army, aims to help people aged 18 - 25 years to journey from homelessness to achieving independent living and their own permanent accommodation in the community within 18 months. The current residents, some of whom are care leavers, were all referred to the service by Tower Hamlets Council. 

As well as a safe place to live, the young people living in Greig House benefit from trauma-informed care from staff which recognises the individual and the impacts of the experiences they have faced on their wellbeing, approach and interaction with the support on offer. Staff work in a person-centred way to support the individual and their experiences, tailoring the journey to meet their needs.

Residents also have the opportunity to learn life skills including cooking and budgeting and are supported if they want to continue in education or go to work. Each young person has their own bedroom and bright and welcoming communal spaces in Greig House with TVs and games encourage residents to relax and mix with each other. The young people who spent Christmas Day at Greig House enjoyed a buffet, gifts from The Salvation Army and games. 

Greig House previously provided accommodation and support for women who experienced homelessness and addiction. When this service ended in late 2023 The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services Department worked with Tower Hamlets Council to develop a new service to support young people in the building. 

Jemma Soro, The Salvation Army’s Assistant Director Homelessness Services London and Southeast England, said: 

“Young people can fall on hard times through no fault of their own, and it is vital we support them back into independent living. We are pleased to work in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council to provide young people in challenging circumstances with somewhere that they feel safe and welcome.

“The residents and staff of Greig House are the heart of this building and our hope for here is that lives will be changed, and young people will feel supported and empowered.” 

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning at Tower Hamlets Council said: 

“Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this support for young people to Tower Hamlets. We very much look forward to the next few years of partnership working with The Salvation Army to provide the best possible care and support and transform the lives of young people at Greig House.” 

Prayers at the official opening of Greig House were led by The Salvation Army’s Major Karl Gray. 

*Jack’s story

Aged just 15, Jack found himself kicked out of his family home, scared and alone. He spent two weeks sleeping outside during snowy weather, afraid of what might happen to him on the streets. His circumstances did little to improve when he then went to live with other family members. This led to abuse and eventually he was housed in care, where he also experienced difficulties. 

On his 18th birthday earlier this year, Jack was referred to Greig House and it was here that his life finally started to take a turn for the better. He has found the environment safe and nurturing and has been able to work through some difficult emotions with the support of staff. Jack says he feels a sense of security and is back in full time education, with plans to go to university to study electrics. 

“It’s been a positive experience here. It’s very calm and it’s very nice to have my own space. There are staff I can speak to, and issues are resolved quickly. I have made friends and enjoyed Christmas here.” 

Recently Jack broke his leg and he says: “I was given support with bedding, laundry, cooking and making appointments. There is a sense of security here and it feels like home. It is one big family.” 

“We have our own rooms, and we have access to food bank services which helps financially. They teach us key life skills such as budgeting that give me confidence to live independently. When it’s my time, I’ll move on.” 

If he wasn’t at The Salvation Army, Jack reflects: “I would still have that anger, being here has calmed me down and I feel like I have more freedom.”

*Name changed to protect identity.