Link Housing Association took over the management of West
Bridge Mill in August 1998 after the Kirkcaldy Foyer ceased trading. The
building, situated on the outskirts of Kirkcaldy, was originally a 19th
century rope mill, which was converted from a derelict shell into a 4-storey
building. One half contains accommodation originally for 44 single people
over 3 floors with an 88-seat restaurant and commercial kitchen area on
the ground floor. The other side of the building contains the main reception
area, 20 varying sizes of commercial units over the ground, first and
second floors and 3 conference rooms on the third floor.
First Floor
The first floor had previously been leased to Fife Council
providing residential Supported Accommodation. This project was moved
last year and LinkLiving took on the management of the floor. A need for
accommodation and support for more vulnerable young people (16+) who require
a high level of practical support was identified. This project caters
for 11 young people mostly in 2 person self contained flats. Referrals
for the first floor have come from the SWD, particularly the Throughcare
Team. It is anticipated that this floor will not have a high turnover.
All places are funded through transitional housing benefit.
Staffing
A team of six support staff provide flexible support services
to the young people.
A full-time reception / finance administrator and a full-time
maintenance and conference co-ordinator are employed covering both the
commercial and residential parts of the building. The manager is full-time.
Residential Accommodation Projects
We have a well established project which has been running
on floors 2 & 3 for just over 2 years, providing shared accommodation
for 24 single young people aged 18-24 years. The accommodation comprises
8 x 3 bedroom flats with kitchen and bathroom, and use of a communal lounge
area situated on each floor. People housed within this part of the project
are generally homeless and possess some of the basic skills to live independently.
The average length of stay for 2000 / 2001 was 7 months with 50% ( 16
people ) moving on to their own tenancies with Fife Council.
Development
The Service is now expanding again to offer supported accommodation
in the community in partnership with Fife Special Housing Association.
This will provide follow-on accommodation and visiting support.
Conference Rooms
There are 3 large conference rooms on the top floor,
which are hired out on a daily basis for conferences / meetings. Catering
is supplied by West Bridge Mill and prepared in the restaurant kitchen
on the ground floor.
This web site was designed
by Neil McCallum and Colin Bell. Last updated July 2002.
