Cornwall Council is looking for people who are interested in providing supported lodgings for unaccompanied children aged 16-17 years.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children have often experienced trauma and loss, and have made enormous sacrifices to reach a place of safety in the UK. Along with other local authorities, Cornwall Council has a responsibility to provide support and plans to meet the needs of up to 76 unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people in 2022.
The council welcomes expressions of interest from people from all backgrounds (you can be married, single or in a partnership, from all ethnic groups and cultures) who would like to help.
To provide supported lodgings for these young people you will need:
- A spare room available (and permission from your landlord or housing provider if living in rented accommodation)
- The ability to provide support to a child or young person
- Preferably, relevant experience or skills in providing guidance for young people (although previous experience is not essential).
Financial assistance, expert advice, support and training will be provided to people who are able to help, to make sure that this is a positive experience for you and for the child.
Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, portfolio holder for children and families, said: “Cornwall Council is working proactively to ensure that we can offer safe homes to children and young people who arrive unaccompanied, to welcome them to Cornwall and help them recover from their experiences and thrive.
“As with any child, these young people need safe and supportive environments to help them prepare to lead independent lives and make a positive contribution to our communities."
To find out more about how you can support these children, contact Nicola Penfold at Together for Families by email at uasc@cornwall.gov.uk or call 01736 336682.
Published on January 10, 2022