Worcestershire charity says support 'crucial' for young adults leaving care to prevent homelessness

The Wyre Forest & South Worcestershire Nightstop help people aged 16-25 across the county

Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 30th Oct 2024

A Worcestershire charity, which helps young people dealing with homelessness, says it is crucial support is in place for those who are coming out of care settings.

National charity for children in care and young care leavers Become, say young adult care leavers are more likely to become homeless than others of a same age.

Chief executive of Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop Judith Ford is calling on more to be done to make sure young people aren't having to face the issue.

She said: "If you don't have positive relationships, and that's not to say that young people in care don't have positive relationships because of course they do, the care system does a great job, but it's not the same as having your own family.

"The support can make a life changing difference, it can help them with their independence, and help with things like teaching them how to open a bank account, what's a healthy budget.

"It's that sense of who do they turn to if they don't have money to pay the bills, or If they've had a serious relationship breakdown, and all of these factors are going to make life so much harder for somebody who has a care background.

"I think that's why we need to really ensure that we put measures in place to try and mitigate some of these risk factors."

A Government spokesperson said they are working to break down barriers that stop care leavers from successfully making the transition into independent living, and are strengthening the support to help care leavers access housing when they leave care.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.