Housing for young people saved
Community housing for vulnerable and homeless young people has been saved from the threat of closure.
New Century Court in Oswestry has been taken over by STAR Housing, which manages council housing in Shropshire.
Earlier this year Bromford Housing Association announced it could no longer run the scheme.
The project offers housing to young people aged 16-25 in a supported environment.
Its aim is for young people to gain the skills and confidence to move on from the service and live happy, healthy lives.
STAR Housing said it was delighted to have taken over an important young people’s service in Oswestry in a move that prevented its closure.
Nigel Wilson, Community Support Services Officer, said: "We will provide a much needed service at New Century Court that offers safety, comfort and support for vulnerable and homeless young people from across the county. "
"Working closely with Shropshire’s Housing Options team and Social Services, we will ensure there is the support in place for young people who need housing to thrive and move-on to independence. The support we provide is tailored to the needs of the individual young person including a dedicated support worker with whom they will meet regularly.
"We will provide community activities, workshops, presentations and more for the young people at New Century Court to benefit their development aiming to ensure that the young people go on to be involved in education, training, work or volunteering as part of their move into independence.
"We currently manage the tenancies for over 4,000 affordable council homes in the Oswestry and Bridgnorth area on behalf of Shropshire Council.
“We’re delighted to have been able to secure the future of such an important service for young people in Shropshire.
“Working with partners and support workers, we will be able to make a difference to the lives of young people and give them every opportunity to develop their confidence, skills, employability and future prospects.”
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council Cabinet member responsible for housing, said:
“It’s crucial that support is available for vulnerable and homeless young people in Shropshire and the service provided at New Century Court has proven to be important in ensuring the necessary support is accessible.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to reach an agreement with STAR Housing to secure the continued provision of such a crucial service.”
STAR Housing currently manages the tenancies for over 4,000 affordable council homes in the Oswestry and Bridgnorth area on behalf of Shropshire Council.
