GMYN care leavers learn how to furnish a flat on a budget with trip to IKEA

A group of GMYN care leavers from Bolton recently went on a trip to IKEA to learn how to furnish a flat on a budget to help them prepare for independent living as part of the of the Greater Manchester Multiply project.

The Multiply project is a national programme funded by the Department of Education to help adults aged over 19 who do not have a qualification in Level 2 Maths/Numeracy or equivalent.  It has been designed to support people with the essential life skills they need, such as support with the cost-of-living. 

As part of the project the GMYN Bolton care leaver group aged 18-25 were challenged to look for items in IKEA to semi furnish a flat with a budget of £300.

The challenge was designed to be a replication of what the young people will experience when they receive their Leaving Care Grant or a Setting Up Home Allowance from the council.

As part of the challenge the young people competed against each other to come up with the best flat design.

GMYN programme coordinator, Helena Wride said: “I was surprised how much the young people enjoyed the trip and loved how creative they were in designing their own future homes”.

Scott Birchall, 20, who is moving into his own property next month wanted to decorate his flat with a Peaky Blinders theme. He listed all the items he thought he needed and came in on budget at the end of the task only to later realise he had no crockery, cutlery glassware, or window coverings.

At the end of the trip, Scott said: “I can’t believe I forgot knives and forks! anyway, I know all the things I need to get for my flat now.”

Another young person on the trip said: “This is really good practice for me because I am moving into my own flat in Scotland, but everything costs more than I thought it would.”

The young people worked together to complete the challenge developing their confidence and practical skills and now feel more ready to tackle the next stage of their journey to independence.  

The direct application of learning, rather than a theoretical budgeting exercise in a classroom type environment, allowed the young people to fully engage and immerse themselves in the task.

The Multiply project being delivered by GMYN is also offering care experienced young people:

• One-to-one sessions covering tenancy, budgeting, and price comparisons

• Help understanding payslips, the value of apprenticeships over benefits, and managing bills after moving into your own home

• Bespoke group sessions covering essential life skills like banking, home maintenance and cooking

• One-to-one maths tutoring with focused support for young people preparing for Level 2 Maths