Denbighshire Supported Lodgings Launched

Tuesday 13^th May saw the official launch of the Denbighshire Supported Lodgings scheme at an event attended by the Mayor of Denbigh, Councillor Colin Hughes and the Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council, Ian Miller.

The scheme (managed by Local Solutions) is piloted on the organisation’s highly successful Merseyside Accommodation Project (MAP). MAP provides support to young homeless people between 16 and 18 years; young people are placed with registered householders who have offered them a room within their own homes.  Young people are provided with a programme of support and guidance from qualified key workers. 

Local Solutions’ Chief Executive, Stephen Hawkins said “for over 20 years MAP has helped thousands of young homeless people in the Merseyside area; we are delighted to share our knowledge and look forward to working with the Supporting People team”  

Those present also heard from Katie Davies from Denbighshire County Council’s Supporting People who said “the Council are pleased to be working with Local Solutions, due to their experience in developing such schemes.  The initiative will meet the current gap in provision for young homeless people between the ages of 16 – 17.  This partnership will hopefully support many young people and families in our vicinity”. 

Householders will receive a generous weekly fee for board and lodgings and continuous support from the team.

It was heartening to hear the stories of young people who have already benefited from the scheme on Merseyside.  It was clear that the support they had received had given them a stability in life and the chance to learn new skills and prepare for independent living.

Rob Taylor, Co-ordinator for the scheme, appealed for local people who would be interested in becoming a registered householder. A generous fee is available for householders who receive training, along with ongoing support.

 For further information on the service, please call the team on 0845 051 82 82.