Could you be a friend to youngsters? (From Barry And District News)

Could you be a friend to youngsters?

A SCHEME aimed at helping young care leavers and homeless young people desperately needing a fresh start is being relaunched.

Organised by Barry-based Llamau Ltd, in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Friendly Lodgings Scheme seeks the help of local residents in providing suitable accommodation and support for vulnerable young people

Llamau's JIGSO Project has a proven track record of helping homeless people of all ages to find and maintain suitable accommodation.

Llamau Director Frances Beecher said: "This is a much-needed project, especially in light of legislation which recognises the vulnerability of these young people within our communities.

"Following the success of similar initiatives in the past, we are once again delighted to be working in partnership with the council's Children's Services Department."

The purpose of the scheme is to provide another accommodation option for young people who would prefer to live in a "family" environment before moving on to more independent living, and Llamau is currently recruiting people to become Friendly Lodgings Providers.

One young person said: "When I left care, it was a really frightening experience. I went to live in 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."

Friendly Lodgings Scheme Development Worker Becky Roberts said: "So many young people who grow up in the care system end up lonely and isolated.

"Many feel they have no-one to turn to and find themselves in vulnerable situations and are taken advantage of.

"Having the opportunity to live in a safe, supportive home can make all the difference between make or break at that age. This scheme offers young people the opportunity to develop the skills they will need for independent adult life."

Becky added: "Llamau are aiming to recruit people from all backgrounds, living in all areas of the Vale, who have a spare bedroom and are interested in helping a young person.