Rush House Ltd is a registered charity established in Rotherham in 1982 to respond to the growing issue of homelessness among young people. What began as a six-bed hostel has evolved over the years into a comprehensive range of accommodation and support services aimed at helping the most vulnerable young people in society, particularly those who have experienced significant adversity during childhood.
A core value at Rush House is ‘belief in change’. The charity recognises that, with the right support, a positive attitude, and the necessary skills, individuals can overcome past struggles and achieve their potential. Rush House now provides 36 supported accommodation spaces for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25, including care leavers. They offer high-quality, fully furnished accommodation across Rotherham, with access to 24 / 7 staff support and intensive 1:1 support through a dedicated keyworking team. The charity’s primary goal is to empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to live independently and contribute positively to their community.
One of the key programmes supporting this mission is ‘A Place of Your Own’, an online pre-tenancy course offering practical advice and guidance to help young people secure and manage their own tenancy. Another important initiative is ‘Brighter Futures’, a service offering holistic, person-centred support for those who need help entering education, training, or employment. The service is open to anyone aged 16 and above in the Rotherham area.
Rush House has also recently taken on a new challenge, working in partnership with RMBC, South Yorkshire Police, the South Yorkshire Police Hotspot Response Hub, and the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit to deliver a six-month pilot ‘Community Outreach’ programme. This initiative, which began in September 2024, focuses on supporting vulnerable individuals in Rotherham Town Centre. The Outreach Support Workers patrol key areas identified as ‘hot spots’, where vulnerable people tend to congregate. They provide a visible, approachable, and non-judgemental presence in these areas, engaging with individuals who may be at risk or facing difficulties.
The team covers four four-hour shifts each week, focusing on the busiest times of day. Their goal is to foster communication and engagement with individuals who may be isolated or have specific vulnerabilities. By building trust and offering regular support, the team helps people connect with services that can address their needs.
This initiative aims to create a safer and more welcoming town centre for all residents of Rotherham, where vulnerable individuals are supported in making better life choices and avoiding risky behaviours.
So far, the pilot programme has helped more than 500 individuals, with approximately 175 of these under the age of 25 and around 400 over the age of 25. The team has worked closely with emergency services on several occasions, supporting people in medical or mental health crises. They have also worked to prevent situations from escalating into disorder, particularly in situations involving vulnerable young women.
Rush House has been engaging with local businesses in the town centre, gathering feedback and insights on how to improve the overall atmosphere of the area. With one month left in the pilot programme, the team hopes to reach and support even more people. Residents of Rotherham are encouraged to approach the Outreach team while they’re on patrol and share their thoughts, as the team is keen to engage with the community and ensure their work continues to make a positive difference.