HELP YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE A GREAT NEW START IN LIFE

People who can offer young people in Salford a safe and supportive environment to stay in are being invited to apply to a mentoring with accommodation scheme. They will play an important role in helping young people develop their skills as part of Salford City Council's supported lodging service.

Supported lodgings carers will give a helping hand towards independence to young people who are leaving care or unable to live at home. The young people are aged 16 to 21 (or 24 if they are in higher education). Sometimes this can also be a young person from overseas who is claiming asylum.

Councillor Teresa Pepper, Executive Support Member for Education and Learning, said:

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"The scheme could make such a difference to young people who are leaving care or not living at home. The carers will play a very important role in helping young people have positive futures through developing their skills in areas such as cooking, washing, completing job applications and generally preparing for adult life. The emotional support and encouragement carers provide will make a huge difference to help them meet their potential."

The young person will stay with the carers while they are in the scheme, however they will usually be able to get themselves around independently to college and employment – so good transport links are essential.

Carers will receive a weekly allowance, support from a council children's services support worker and have access to training.

To be considered as a carer people need to have:

a spare room

life experience

an understanding of the issues young people can face

the desire to make a difference.

Applications are welcome from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnic groups, faiths and age groups, including people who have recently retired and people who work full time, single carers and carers with families of their own.

If you think this role could be for you, the next step is to complete the online form and they will then contact you to arrange a visit and start an assessment.

For more information visit: www.salford.gov.uk/children-and-families/supported-lodgings/ or contact the Supported Lodgings Co-ordinator on 0161 607 1888.