A CHARITY has expressed its disappointment at the poor response it has had to an appeal for people in the Alton, Bordon and Petersfield area, who can help young people with living accommodation – and then on to a new life. Step By Step, with the backing of local authorities, has expanded its Supportive Lodgings Scheme to East Hampshire. But to make it a success it desperately needs householders who can offer 16 and 17-year-olds a room in their own home and then help that young person start a new life. "The response has been very poor," said Norman Ashcroft, the scheme project manager. "I'm not sure why, because we have been helping young people for the past 10 years, with more than 90 of them moving on to independent living after receiving great support from householders and Step By Step. "We have had some replies to our recruitment campaign and we are in the process of talking to the few householders that have expressed an interest. "But the problem is not going to go away and there are an increasing number of young people being referred to us by local authorities. "We have a waiting list of people who need our help. They want to stay in the area they are familiar with and where their family and friends are, but unless we get householders coming forward, many of them will have to move away, having to give up college, training or job opportunities." Mr Ashcroft added that householders did not need to be super heroes – just ordinary people who care what happens to young people, who, often through no fault of their own, have no family support. "These young people are suffering as the result of a complete family breakdown. Many of them lack the basic life skills that the rest of us take for granted and this is where the householder can help. "The young people are vulnerable – and all they need is a chance to get on with their life. Step By Step is working to give them that chance." Mr Ashcroft said the aim is that the young people eventually move on to their own accommodation. "In the meantime householder and young person are carefully matched for compatibility and they both get continuing support from Step By Step. "We have householders who have been with the scheme for many years but we never have enough numbers to cope with the young people who need accommodation. "There is a constant demand for more householders, but we do not expect them to do it for nothing. "Householders can receive up to £140 per week, depending on the level of support they are able to offer," he added. "Because many of these are vulnerable young people who have come from a very unsettled background, we ask our householders to agree to a police check, provide references and to attend informal training sessions," said Mr Ashcroft. "I know from having dealt with young people and householders for the past 10 years that it can at times be difficult, but at the same time it is a very rewarding experience. "There is nothing better than to see a young person develop, move on and take charge of their own life," he added. Anyone who would like further information about the scheme is asked to get in touch with Step By Step. Mr Ashcroft can be contacted at 61 Victoria Road, Aldershot, GU11 1SJ, on 01252 313 158 or by email at [email protected]">[email protected].
