Kind Hearts Appeal For Youngsters Leaving Care

Householders in Moray who have a spare room and a caring disposition are being urged to help teenagers start out on their new lives after they leave care.

They are being invited to join a supported lodgings scheme, which provides an important stepping stone for youngsters who do not have the confidence or necessary skills to live a completely independent life in their own accommodation.

The scheme was set up by Moray Council’s aftercare service four years ago and has been successful in enabling teenagers – some of whom have spent years with foster parents or in residential care – adapt to living on their own and looking after themselves.

Four householders currently provide accommodation and support for young people, and the council is now looking to double that number as demand for the service increases.

Lodgings providers receive payment for making the accommodation available and are expected to give their lodger support in bridging the gap between leaving care and living independently.

Kimberley Philip, link worker with the supported lodgings project, said the majority of young people leaving care find it difficult to adjust to independent living in the community. Supported lodgings provided them with an opportunity to experience elements of independence in a supportive environment.

“It depends very much on the individual, but many leave care without the necessary skills to cope with living independently,” said Miss Philip. “Supported lodgings offer a secure and safe home environment that will help a young person to prepare for independent living.”

She said the length of time that a person spent in supported accommodation varied greatly.

“Some are happy to stay for a longer period of time, others see supported lodgings as a short-term step towards getting a place of their own.”

There are no hard and fast rules about accommodation providers, who are assessed on an individual basis.

The main requirement is they have spare accommodation in their home and are willing to offer help and support to their lodger during the time that he or she is with them.

Anyone who would like more information can contact Miss Philip or other members of the project team on 01343 563578.