Teen Lifeline (From Barry And District News)

Teen Lifeline

BARRY'S vulnerable youngsters will be helped by a ground-breaking new scheme aimed at finding them somewhere to live.

Young care leavers and homeless youngsters can now go to the 'Friendly Lodgings Scheme' for help finding good quality, supportive accommodation.

The purpose of the scheme, run by Llanmau, is to provide an option for young people who would prefer to live in a family environment before moving on to more independent living.

The scheme, based at JIGSO Project, 240 Holton Road, Barry, officially opened recently thanks to funding from the Children's Services Department of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

One local teenager said: "When I became homeless, it was a really frightening experience. I was put into a hostel, but some of the older people staying there gave me a hard time, bullying me and taking my stuff.

"I am living somewhere much better now, but I would have loved the chance to have been able to stay with people who were around to help me when I really needed it. I think this is a great idea - it would have been perfect for me when I was younger."

Llanmau's director, Frances Beecher, said: "This is a much-needed project, especially in the light of the recent legislation which recognises the vulnerability of these young people.

"JIGSO also operates specialist services for 16 and 17-year-olds, including a Family Mediation Service, and is therefore ideally placed to manage this scheme in partnership with the Children's Services Department."

Llanmau is currently recruiting people to become Friendly Lodgings providers. Becky Roberts, the Friendly Lodgings Scheme development worker, said: "This scheme offers young people the opportunity to develop the skills they will need for independent adult life.

"In return, the lodgings providers will receive payment, training and support."

For more information about Llanmau's Friendly Lodgings Scheme contact the JIGSO Project on 01446 748852.