BARNARDO’S has launched a new service to help care-experienced young people manage their own homes and live independently.
This new service, South Lanarkshire Futures, is funded by and will operate in partnership with colleagues from South Lanarkshire Council housing and social work and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Over the next two years, the service will provide an intensive wraparound transition support service to care-experienced young people aged 16 to 26 who require an alternative housing solution to what is currently available.
Support will include the provision of transitional accommodation, where Barnardo’s will look to provide young people with the skills they need to transition from living in care to living independently in the community.
Linda McCann, children’s services manager at Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “We know that there is a clear connection between care experience and homelessness, and, until now, there has been no dedicated youth housing support service within South Lanarkshire Council.
“As a result, for many care-experienced young people – some of whom have multiple and complex needs – it’s clear further support is necessary.
“Statistics tell us that even when these young people do manage to move into a tenancy some do not manage to maintain their tenancy.
“But Barnardo’s now has the funding required to provide a transition support service within South Lanarkshire to help care-experienced young people who require an alternative housing solution to what is currently available to them.
“We will provide the safety net of a dedicated member of staff (for as long as it takes) who will be a single point of contact for the young person and support them to transition to independence.
“This stickability and relationship building is key.”
Linda added: “Young people have told us that they find it difficult to organise utilities, attend appointments, decorate, budget, keep their house clean and safe.
“This service aims to improve the lives of our care-experienced young people in South Lanarkshire.
“We will support them to meet their aspirational goals in relation to their housing needs and assist them to successfully manage and maintain their home.
Kate Still, chair of The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this new service thanks to funding raised by National Lottery players.
“Through our funding, we aim to help young people thrive by providing access to trusted adults, enriching activities, and community connections, ensuring they have the power to shape their own futures.”
Barnardo’s runs a similar youth housing programme in North Lanarkshire, called Positive Destinations.
One of the young people supported by that service said: “The reception flat has everything in it I could want, and it feels safe, so I have a space to get my head together.
“It’s central to social work and health and in a good area so I feel like I can get what I’ve needed.
“It’s been nice to have everyone linked into this house to progress my health and housing situation.”
In the past year, Barnardo’s has provided essential support to more than 11,500 children, young people, parents and carers in Scotland through specialised community-based services and partnerships across the country.
To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.
