Young People’s Service Expands

A unique specialist residential service for young people based in the North East is celebrating its second anniversary of transforming the lives of youngsters by expanding its successful service into the Midlands.

Young Foundations provides care for young people aged 12 to 17 who have learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and complex needs. It operates three homes in the North East which can each take a maximum of five young people.

The company, which is owned by leading private health care provider Castlebeck, has homes in Darlington, Crook and Seaham and is now hoping to receive the first young people into its fourth home at Fillongley near Coventry this month. (November)

Barbara Thompson, Young Foundations Director of Services for Young People, says: “We are building on the success we have had in the North East. We have been operational for two years now and many young people have been able to get their lives back on track as a result of spending some time with us.

“Local authorities and primary care trusts are recognising the excellent service we provide and we get referrals from all over the country and Scotland as well as the North East. Young Foundations is proving to be a highly valued resource.”

Rochdale social worker Tony Pritchard has used Young Foundations to place a young person and he says: “Without question I would use Young Foundations again. I was very impressed with the staff team and the clinical support they could offer to the young man I placed with them as he had very complex needs. Everyone at Young Foundations is extremely professional and dedicated.”

John Locke, 42, has been recruited by Castlebeck to manage the new home in the Midlands. John has previously worked with children and young people aged between five and 18 with physical and learning disabilities as well as emotional and behavioural difficulties.

John says: “We have now recruited staff for the new home and they have undergone induction training. Also we have established professional relationships with other organisations in the area who will work with us to support us and the young people in our care. Now we are looking forward too welcoming young people and becoming an established provider in the local area.”

Young Foundations is also hoping to work with the local community to provide positive experiences for young people and has donated £500 to the parish council for community activities.

Barbara Thompson says: “Young Foundations is unique because of the specialist support network we offer young people and if necessary all their care can be accessed under one roof including their education, psychiatric help and language therapy. Every young person is assessed on their individual needs and we offer a holistic package of care.

“We were approached by professionals from the Midlands area who were struggling to find the right provision for young people with learning difficulties and autism and our own research showed there was a need in the area. This new home and others we have in the pipeline will help to address that need.”