First People is piloting a first-of-its-kind scheme with the aim of showing that sustainable independence can be achieved through embracing new attitudes in the housing sector. 

The bridge from supported accommodation to full independence can feel like one too far for many. The process of moving from supported living to independent housing is riddled with legal ramifications - the likes of which do not make for great blog material. 

Put simply, exempt accommodation is a specific category of supported housing where tenants can claim higher levels of Housing Benefit to cover their rent and housing-related support. These homes are exempt from the usual rules and rent limits that apply to most Housing Benefit claims due to the recognition that supported housing costs more to provide because of the additional support, management, and supervision offered to residents.

Charities and non-profits can offer these exempt accommodations and that is exactly what First People will do. The Move on Homes will never have more than eight available rooms but FPH will never make money on them - such is the commitment to getting it right. 

Charities and non-profits like First People can provide this 

In an attempt to address the struggle many clients of FPH and other charities have faced, we have created a vital bridge - Move On House.

The pilot project has launched a new supported accommodation service designed for individuals who are ready to return to full-time employment but would still benefit from guidance, structure and a safety net. This new initiative has recently opened in Hatfield near First People HQ.

First People hope this project will show local authorities a new approach to supported accommodation and ultimately become a launchpad for long-term success outside of Hatfield. This new service offers a fresh, forward-thinking approach to helping people rebuild their lives, regain confidence, and return to full-time employment, Simultaneously, this approach will prevent people from being disincentivised to take control of their lives. 

Move On House provides a structured and supportive environment where residents can stay for up to nine months before returning to independent living. Our approach provides a crucial buffer between supported housing and the private rental market. Residents of Move on House will be able to build confidence without unnecessary financial burdens or anxiety and adjust to the routine of full-time work. 

Crucially, this nine-month buffer also allows residents to complete their probationary periods in most jobs. Not only does this provide a great springboard for long term employment, but it also opens up the career ladder and offers clients the ability to establish a positive rental history as a foundation for tenancies when living independently. 

With a solid financial base, stable employment and no lingering fears over accommodation, First People are bridging gaps in returning people to work and independent accommodation. 

Wendy Nee, Chief Executive, said: “At Move On House, we believe independence should be supported, not rushed.

“We’re giving people the space to rebuild their lives, re-enter the workforce, and prove to themselves—and landlords—that they are capable, reliable, and ready for the next chapter. 

Ms Nee emphasised that Move on House is not designed simply to provide “a roof over someone’s head” but instead be a “launchpad for long-term success”.

Amid soaring living expenses and a shortage of affordable housing, a growing number of people are caught between systems — no longer qualifying for supported accommodation but still lacking the financial and practical stability needed to secure private housing.

Move On House directly addresses this systemic problem by combining increased responsibility with ongoing support. It is the view of First People that people should not have one or the other - but both. Residents will be able to transition back to independent living while still having access to guidance from the First People Housing team.

This model encourages independence but doesn’t abandon people at one of the most critical stages of recovery and growth.

Move On House is the manifestation of evolving housing support. Things need to change and traditional housing support needs to embrace new ideas and this will require open-mindedness from local authorities as it gets off the ground. 

First People sincerely hopes that this new approach is given credence by the council and by residents as time is needed to show how impactful this can be.  

This innovation lies not just in the structure of Move On House, but in its philosophy: a belief that trust and opportunity are key elements to breaking the cycle of homelessness, rough sleeping and instability.