New project launched to help care leavers live more independent and fulfilled lives

A new project has been launched to help support care-experienced young people to live more independent and fulfilled lives in Midlothian.

Kieran, 18, who's involved in the first round of the project

The announcement was made by Midlothian council’s children services on National Care Leavers week, and will involve the department working alongside charities, Life Changes Trust and The National House Project to support 30 young people aged 16-26 over the next three years.

As part of the programme, three groups of 10 young people will initially complete a year-long 12 module learning programme covering budgeting, maintaining a home and being a responsible citizen amongst other topics.

The young people will also be helped into further education or employment before being offered a permanent home.

The council will provide the majority of the homes but is hoping to involve other providers such as Melville, Castlerock and Dunedin Canmore.

Kieran Clark, 18, is part of the first group taking part in the project, he said: “I am really looking forward to meeting the other care experienced young people who are in the project, working together to help each other get ready for our own tenancy. We can share skills.”

The House Project is a social enterprise built with young people leaving care, providing sustainable homes and a community of support that enables young people to have confidence in themselves and their future.

Mark Warr, the CEO of The National House Project, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Midlothian. The team’s energy and enthusiasm to do things differently and improve outcomes for young people leaving care shines through. We are looking forward to a long partnership.”

Councillor Jim Muirhead, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We know that sustaining tenancies can be particularly challenging for young people who have been in care. It can be frightening to live independently and to have to look after yourself, especially when you’ve been through a lot already, as many care-experienced young people have. It will be reassuring for them to learn skills like budgeting and maintaining a home before they move in while also having a strong support network of other young people in the project and professionals. Initiatives like this will really help our young people keep a secure, permanent home.”

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