Young people scared of living on their own, charity says

Newcastle school leavers have admitted they have no idea what to do when they move away from home.

New research by Action for Children shows almost one in five young people here do not think they will ever be able to live on their own.

The main worries are paying bills, cooking for themselves and taking care of a house.

Several students at Walbottle Campus told Metro Radio they wish they had more help and advice from school.

Carol Iddon, Action for Children’s director of children’s services across Newcastle, said: “For many young people, moving out of the family home can be an exciting and intrepid first step to independence, with the added advantages of parents who can provide emotional, practical and financial support.

“For the young people Action for Children supports across the North East and the rest of the UK, living independently at a young age is often not a choice, nor does it come with a parental safety net.

"Their situation is often compounded by having no support network to help them in times of need, and they are often at real risk of losing their home."