Homeless scheme to help city’s youngsters

A NEW service which will help York’s homeless youngsters rebuild their lives will launch today in a bid to tackle the city’s growing homelessness problem.

York Council has adapted a hostel in Acomb where staff will provide expert support for homeless young people aged 16-21 so they can find work, as well as manage a home of their own.

Spearheaded by the authority’s housing and children’s social care services, the scheme will incorporate a wide-ranging educational programme, concentrating on helping to take on and maintain their own tenancy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Training will also include independent living skills, preparing for work, budgeting and cooking, as well as sessions on sexual health and personal relationships.

The centre will be staffed around the clock and the council’s Pathway Team has re-located to the building. Other council services will also use the refurbished centre to run advice sessions and York College will run a foundation educational programme from the hostel to encourage the young people back into education and training.

York Council dealt with 136 cases of homelessness in the first nine months of last year and concerns have been expressed that the problems will escalate.

The authority’s cabinet member for health, housing and adult social services, Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, said: “It is a vital we support young people who are finding that starting out in York can be difficult in these challenging times. This project will help ensure that these young people get the support they need to manage successful tenancies, find work and lead healthier lives.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last month the Yorkshire Post revealed York Housing Association had been appointed by the city council as part of an intensified fight to prevent homelessness. The recently launched Homelessness Prevention Service provides practical help to householders who face losing their home amid the grave economic downturn.