More help needed for young people leaving care (From Salisbury Journal)

More help needed for young people leaving care

4:33pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Headlines By Jill Harding

YOUNG people leaving care homes are missing out on vital support because of a lack of facilities and services.

Homeless charity Alabaré says it cannot cope with demand and there is nothing available in the south Wiltshire area.

The charity runs Towpath House in Trowbridge – a home for young people leaving care in the town.

But those in a similar situation in the rest of Wiltshire, including Salisbury, have no access to the help and support they might need when leaving the care system.

“Towpath House can accommodate six people with a range of support needs who might otherwise fall through the net after they leave care,” said Alabaré’s area manager, Melissa Hurley.

“We provide a service that supports them with the transition to the outside world and this can often mean the difference between finding a job and living independently or living on the streets.

“So far this month we have had requests to help an additional three people all of whom we have had to turn down because we don’t have anywhere to provide the service.

“We desperately need a property so that we can cope with the demand to help these vulnerable young people.”

The charity is hoping that a private landlord will let it a property where young people can learn to live independently after they reach 18.

They will be offered a variety of programmes meeting their often complex needs and helped to find work or gain a place in further education.

Alabaré says that with no support the young people are more likely to struggle with the increasing freedoms and responsibilities of adulthood.

The charity will take on the risks for the property and guarantee rent for the landlord.

If you can help and have a suitable premises contact Mel Hurley on 01380 829669.