A new pioneering scheme set to help young people at risk of homelessness secure purpose-built housing has been launched in Stirling.
The project is a collaboration between Stirling Council, Barnardo’s Scotland and the construction firm Morris and Spottiswood and will see five specialist ‘gap homes’ built in the city.
The homes will be specifically designed for young people leaving the care system, with the gap homes providing high quality, affordable housing for care-experienced young people in an established community.
It will also support those not already defined as care leavers.
The scheme was developed by Barnardo’s in response to findings that young people who have grown up with experience of the care system have a 50/50 chance of becoming homeless, with issues made worse by a lack of suitable accommodation for those looking to live independently.
Stirling has been selected as one of the sites for the programme, with Gap Homes already in place in Paisley, as well as in Essex.
Elizabeth McShane, 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.
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.”
Young people placed in a Gap Home are expected to be resident for two years and as landlord for the properties, Barnardo’s can offer flexibility on the length of tenure to reflect the individual needs of those living there.
Brian Pettigrew, sector director for housing with Morris & Spottiswood, added: “We are extremely proud to be working in partnership with Barnardo’s to deliver the next Gap Homes project in Stirling.
“This energy-efficient building will provide much-needed accommodation for young people in a safe and stable environment.
“Opportunities like this are few and far between, and we as a business are fully aligned to support the Barnardo’s objectives of developing skills, and the progressive journey to a fresh start in life.”
