Around 100 young people a year will continue to have a safe haven as part of a supported accommodation programme for young people in care and care leavers.
Supported accommodation means young people aged 16 and over in care or care experienced have the chance to live in a more ‘independent’ home, usually a shared house with their own bedroom and communal use of bathrooms, kitchen and living rooms. Staff are on hand 24 hours a day to offer support.
The houses usually support four or five young people, but for those who need more support, there are flats which only accommodate one young person at a time with staff.
Young people in care can live there from the age of 16, but the services can also support those who are 18+ while future plans for their living arrangements are made.
The set up helps them gain independence while still getting the support they need and as one young person said: “The place is amazing; it’s well set up and a good start for people moving towards independence.”
Another said: “I’ve just moved in and really enjoying making my flat my own. I like my flat to have nice cosy spaces. It’s really nice that I also know a couple of other people here already.”
We’re extending the current contract from 1 April 2025, which means our young people will continue to receive high-quality care and support.
The contract ensures that local homes are always available for Plymouth's young people, with the flexibility to grow the number of available beds if needed. This helps keep our young people close to their communities and support networks, demonstrating our commitment to making the move to adult life as smooth as possible.
As part of the contract, providers have been supported with grants to improve their services, including staff training, case management and building improvements.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said, "This initiative is more than just providing a place to stay. It's about giving our young people the foundation they need to build a successful future and helping them develop the skills and confidence to live independently.”
Alison Simpson, who is our new care leavers champion added: “Some of these young people simply have not had the support that many of us take for granted. It’s things like learning how to shop on a budget, how to cook and how to look after themselves. These are great stepping stones to independence.
“I have spent my working life in a variety of social care fields, and with all age groups. Supporting care leavers is such an important responsibility, and I am looking forward with great excitement to bringing my experience to bear in this new role.”
With 528 children in our care and 126 of them aged 16 or over there are a steady stream of young people leaving care, Alison will be supporting the cabinet member in her work to improve the lives of young people who have not had the easiest start in life.