New housing scheme to support more than 300 residents by 2028

A new supported housing scheme designed to provide safe, stable homes and structured support for vulnerable residents has been approved in Brent.

The First Wave Plus programme, run by First Wave Housing, a council-owned organisation, will support adults at risk of homelessness, young people who have been in care, residents in temporary accommodation and residents in supported living. This will include residents with mental health needs, physical or learning disabilities, survivors of domestic abuse, and former asylum seekers.

Brent, like many boroughs across London, is facing sustained pressure on housing and homelessness services with over 150 families presenting as homeless each week. In its first year, First Wave Plus will strengthen the council’s financial footing, providing supported living services and help to young people who have been in care, later expanding to those living in temporary accommodation or at risk of homelessness. By 2028, First Wave Plus aims to deliver more than 100 supported housing units, supporting over 300 residents. Each resident will also receive tailored, person-centred assistance to build their confidence, develop practical life skills and move towards independent living.

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “A stable home and respectful, reliable support are essential to enabling people to live with dignity and independence. As homelessness rises, more residents require supported accommodation, yet rapid growth in exempt provision outside council oversight has too often led to poor-quality housing that fails to treat residents with the dignity they deserve. There is a clear need for properly regulated high-quality supported housing that safeguards people’s wellbeing.

“The First Wave Plus scheme will provide person-centred support that helps residents move confidently towards independence, while also reducing reliance on temporary accommodation, easing pressure on services, and strengthening the Council’s financial resilience.”

Andrew Hudson, Chair of the Board at First Wave Housing, said: “By working closely with the council, we can offer homes that are secure and properly supported. This scheme will put residents first and gives people the stability they need to move forward.”