Barnardo’s Scotland breaks ground on new starter homes for young people
Work has begun on a groundbreaking housing scheme designed to support young people at risk of homelessness in Stirling.
Working with the local council and construction firm Morris & Spottiswood, leading children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland will build five “Gap Homes”, which are purpose-built houses for young people leaving the care system.
A Gap Home provides high quality, affordable and additional housing for care-experienced young people, and provides the opportunity for a young person to live in a new property in an established community.
The project can also support other groups of young people who are not defined as care leavers.
The Gap Homes scheme was developed by Barnardo’s in response to the fact that young people who have been in care have a 50/50 chance of becoming homeless.
This is exacerbated by a lack of suitable accommodation for young people preparing to live independently.
Stirling is just one of numerous sites across the UK where Barnardo’s intends to construct Gap Homes, and there are already Gap Homes in Paisley and one down south in Essex.
Elizabeth McShane, the Barnardo’s UK head of business for Gap Homes, said: “It can be very difficult for young people leaving care to live alone for the first time, especially when it comes to running a home on a limited budget.
“Gap Homes create a safe and stable environment in which young people can thrive. What’s more, they are built in established communities and have low running costs.
“The current housing crisis means that there’s not a lot of available housing, let alone for young people leaving care, but this latest Gap Homes development in Stirling forms part of the fight to tackle the lack of suitable accommodation for care leavers.
“Our Gap Homes projects are closely aligned with our vow to keep The Promise. The Promise is the outcome of Scotland’s independent care review and is about ensuring every child in Scotland grows up safe, loved and respected.
“Part of our overall work at Barnardo’s in responding to The Promise is increasing the opportunity for care experienced people to access employment, training, stable housing and support.”
Young people are expected to be resident in a Gap Home for up to two years. As landlord, Barnardo’s can offer flexibility on the length of tenure, reflecting each young person’s individual needs.
Barnardo’s Scotland supports children, young people and their families in more than 125 specialised community-based services across the country. The charity works with children, young people, parents, carers and communities to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
Ms McShane added: “At Barnardo’s, we have a strong track record in supporting young people to develop the skills they need to succeed in reaching independence as adults.
“Offering purpose-built accommodation for care leavers, we will also provide practical and emotional support, for up to two years, for those who need it the most.
“We believe Gap Homes have the potential to transform the lives of care leavers across the country, giving them the fresh start they deserve.”
