For care leavers, turning 18 is not simply a significant life event but marks the official end of ‘legal care’ and a cliff edge into independence variously described as ‘sh*t’, ‘scary’ and ‘overwhelming’ .
The stress, anxiety and added vulnerabilities caused by this “rapid and crowded transitions to adulthood” , when young people are often forced to change accommodation, organise benefits, and live independently is hardly surprising and, resultantly, outcomes for care leavers remain disappointing: care leavers are over-represented in the sex-industry as well as the prison and homeless populations, have significantly worse outcomes in education, and are more likely to have a mental health disorder.
A newly established organisation, Concrete Rose, is looking to equip and empower members of the community to respond to this need by establishing a supported lodgings scheme across the city and region.
The scheme, ‘Room to spare’ will recruit, assess, train, and support local individuals, couples and families to act as ‘hosts’ providing a bedroom, a safe environment and love, support and guidance to a young person whilst being able to continue with their daily routines including working, socialising and holidays. Concrete Rose supports hosts through 24/7 on call support and, in turn, young people by weekly one-to-one sessions with professional youth workers.
Concrete Rose’s founder, Mike Farrington, has worked with ‘at risk’ young people since 2003: “When you consider that the average age for most young people to leave home at 23 it’s no wonder that care leavers and vulnerable young people, many of whom have histories of trauma and no family support structures, find it hard to cope living alone. Concrete Rose has been established to provide a different option and provide safe, caring, nurturing accommodation placements that can transform the future for young people who need some extra support”.
Aleyejah Omenesa, care leaver and Concrete Rose board member, recognises the benefits a supported lodgings placement can bring to young people: “I know what it’s feels like to be at that stage where you’re leaving foster care and it’s very daunting and you feel very vulnerable. You don’t know what’s going on in your life and you have no stability and in some cases people don’t have loved ones around them. Supported lodgings provides the support a young person needs; they’ll learn independence skills whilst living with someone who cares for them and has their best interests at heart.”
Concrete Rose is currently in the process of recruiting hosts. For more information: www.concreterose.co.uk // [email protected]