Derry is to be included in a pilot project aimed at obtaining lodgings for young people who are at risk from homelessness.
Action for Children is offering a weekly allowance of £175 to anyone who can provide accommodation for 16-24 year olds who are in care, leaving care or young people in the community who face life without a roof over their heads.
The aim of the scheme – a first for Northern Ireland – is to provide such young people with safe, suitable and supportive places to live within a familial type environment and develop the skills needed for a successful transition to independence.
To do this, Action Care needs members of the community to “open up” their homes.
An Action Care spokesperson said: “We are encouraging anyone who has a spare room and feels like they can offer a supportive environment to consider becoming a supported lodgings provider (host provider).
“Action for Children recruits supported lodgings providers in both the Northern and Western Trust areas.
“At present we offer a weekly allowance of £175 to cover rent and other associated costs (this rate may change depending on the circumstances of the young person).”
Action for Children will also offer regular advice and information, pre-placement visits and a 24-hour on-call support service.
An information evening will be held in the Millennium Forum on Wednesday, 27 August next between 7.00pm and 9.00pm for prospective host providers to go along and find more information on the scheme.
Meanwhile, if you would like any further information you can contact the service co-ordinator, Laura Doyle, on 028-94467345 or 07718244143.
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