Proposals to create a brand new £1.2m centre for young people leaving care in Manchester have been agreed by the Council’s Executive.
The proposals will see the conversion of a former children’s home in Crumpsall into a bespoke centre for young people, offering advice and practical support, as well as some on-site supported accommodation .
The centre will provide a base for young people to access advice and support from a dedicated team of social care staff who will be based there. It will replace existing premises in Moss Side that are currently used by the care-leavers service.
The proposals also include the creation of a small number of supported ‘trainer flats’ within the centre for young people to help prepare them for adulthood and living independently. Supported by staff they will learn the basics of things like cooking, cleaning, and doing their own laundry, as well as how to be a good tenant and maintaining a tenancy.
The development of the new centre is a key part of the council’s drive to ensure that young people leaving care have the support they need to be successful. This support already includes the provision of an over the phone help-line available outside of normal office hours, and an exemption from paying council tax when care-leavers move into their own accommodation.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “Facing adulthood is hard for all young people and can be even harder for those leaving care.
“We want the very best for this group of young people which is why, despite the current financial pressures we face, we’re making this substantial investment in their future.
“It will allow us to create a new fit-for-purpose centre where they can access practical help and support, whilst at the same time providing some much-needed accommodation for young people who may not have the benefit of close family members at this crucial time in their lives.
