Community Life Magazine - Bedford Issue 1

YOUTH
Put Your Spare Room to Good Use!
It has been a busy yet successful year for the
YMCA Bedfordshire Supported Lodgings
Scheme. A positive response from the local
community has resulted in the recruitment
and training of twelve Community Hosts.
Th ese hosts off er a combination of Supported
Lodgings and Crash Pad placements to homeless and
vulnerable young people across Bedfordshire. As of
September Supported Lodgings Placements will be
provided to seven young people .
Rosalyn heard of the scheme just as her own grown
up children were moving on. “I was so interested
in the idea of giving a young person a safe and
supportive place in which to settle down and do the
vital things around growing up and making good
choices – those years 16-18 are so important. I also
fancied some company and youthful energy back in
the house!”
Excellent progress
Debbie, a community host, was a foster carer for
many years and wanted to work with the older age
range. “I think there is a real need for this kind of
scheme, promoting independent living skills, giving
good boundaries for young people to live within and
move on in their lives.
“Th e young person who transferred to Supported
Lodgings with me has been here for 5 months now
and all is going well. Th ere have been a few challenges
but she is making excellent progress and I am looking
forward to seeing her achieve even more of her goals!”
Th e young person lodging with Debbie says: “I’ve
been in the scheme for 17 weeks now and it has
completely turned my life around.
“I am now more independent and practical and I feel
happier. It is a scheme that works with you and not for
you. It is also a stepping stone to the big wide world.”
So if you have a spare room, an interest
in young people and being involved in a
community project where you can share your
life experience and skills, please contact:
Amy Elliott on 01234 307040 or 07508807441
or email: amy@ymcabedfordshire.org.uk for
an information pack or informal discussion.
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