Host families sought for teenage care leavers

People in Cornwall are being asked to come forward to host young people who have just left the care system.

Managers at Cornwall Council said potential hosts were being asked to provide a room in their house and an evening meal, as well as taking an interest in a young person's welfare and progress.

Volunteers received rent for the room and a contribution towards utilities and for the support they offered, officials said.

There are currently 377 teenagers aged between 16 and 19 years old in the care system in Cornwall.

Jack Wilkes was in the supported lodging scheme for two years from the age of 17.

Now 25, he lives independently and has a full-time job.

He said: "At first it was a bit daunting. I hadn't had to deal with so many responsibilities or rely on myself so much.

"I started doing all the shopping myself, getting myself to college; it got so much easier and I managed to built up a lot of self-confidence and realise that I can do things.

"Thinks like cooking and laundry were brand new; I'd barely even seen a washing machine."

Mr Wilkes said the woman who had been his host had had a profound impact on his life, adding: "I wasn't particularly easy to deal with.

"I felt like I was on the same ground as her, it never felt like she was pushing me, not holding my hand, but being right beside me."

The BBC met three hosts who have looked after young people in this phase of their lives.

David Pettigrew, who has looked after eight teenagers, said: "It gives them a start or the stability perhaps that they maybe haven't had.

"If I can give that to them and they can progress until they leave when they're 18 and be able to just be independent, then I think that's a good job for me and a great start for them."

Carol, who is looking after her first teenager, said: "Boundaries might be hard for some.

"They're not used to that, like telling us where they are at night, reasons why we're washing our clothes weekly, why doing a CV is a good thing because you get your own money."

Maurice Matthews, who looks after young people who are often refugees from conflict zones, said there was a lot to bear in mind.

He said: "You should take nothing for granted.

"One of the young people we hosted had never used a bank card. They had only ever used cash, so we had to explain the basics of paying for things in the shops."

Joss Wills is the service manager for the the 16+ Supported Lodging Scheme in Cornwall.

She said: "What we're looking for is anybody that really likes teenagers and young people who feels they've got something to give to help that young person on their journey into adulthood.

"We want them to achieve really good outcomes, to go on to university, work or whatever they wish to do."

Cornwall Council said potential host families would need to demonstrate an understanding and respect for all young people; a calm, relaxed and friendly attitude, and a good sense of humour.

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