Six young men from Thurrock have achieved their dream of building their own homes thanks to an innovative scheme.
The group of youngsters, who are all between 16 and 20 years old and are trying to get back into the community, have been helping to build their own properties on the Self-Build programme since last April and the official opening took place on Monday, three months ahead of schedule.
The project, run by company New Essex Housing Association in partnership with Mosiac Essex, Thurrock Council and the Housing Corporation, is all about teaching the youngsters invaluable life skills.
Those who completed the scheme are rewarded with a flat of their own to live in.
Cabinet member for housing at Thurrock Council Sue MacPherson led the official opening of the site off Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon, where five four-bedroom houses and eight one-bedroom flats have been constructed.
Many of the young people have already moved into their properties over recent weeks.
Coun MacPherson said: "I was so proud and privileged to be there because it is a great achievement that these youngsters have built their own properties.
All the youngsters are fantastic and this project is a real example of partners working together. I do hope we are going to see more of these projects."
The youngsters had to go through weeks of training at the Culver Centre in South Ockendon, the charity, Rathbone at Grays and the Adult Community College, Grays to learn the preliminary skills needed, like health and safety, first aid, budgeting and Fork Lift training.
Working alongside other agencies, including the charity Rathbone that helps disadvantaged young adults, New Essex Housing Association organises the programme from finding and securing a plot of land to employing builders willing to be involved in the project.
The youngsters work with the builders to help construct their own accommodation and their rent will be subsidised by the housing association. New Essex Housing Association, based in Corringham, runs courses for young people all across Essex.
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