A homelessness charity is looking for people with spare rooms to provide a home for a young person aged between 16 and 21.
Llamau is looking for 12 spare rooms in Caerphilly County Borough to provide shelter and support for young people as part of its Supported Lodgings scheme, which was set up in September.
People interested in becoming a Supported Lodgings host don’t need any specific qualifications.
Hosts will receive up to £140 a week to cover their costs, with training and ongoing support provided by Llamau.
Unlike fostering, the scheme allows people to continue working and does not have any affect on benefit claims.
The young people involved in the scheme are not classed as ‘high risk’.
The application process for potential hosts currently lasts between six and nine months, but it is hoped as the scheme develops, the times will decrease.
Projects manager Marion Hewitt said: “The assessment process makes sure it’s safe for young people. Once the process is more established, time scales could come down.”
Janice Vardon, supported lodgings development worker at Llamau, said: “The people I’m speaking to are amazing. One thing I have noticed is how motivated members of the public are to help a young person.
“I hope to see this continue to grow. Awareness is a massive thing. We need to get out there and get people talking.
“We need a variety of providers because young people aren’t all the same.”
Deputy Lieutenant of Gwent, Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP, said: “We need to get the word out and raise awareness. They only need 12 rooms – how big is Caerphilly?
“I think the Supported Lodgings scheme is a good thing. All of this goes to helping address the root causes.”
Following a meeting with Llamau, Caerphilly AM Hefin David said: “The great thing about the Supported Lodgings project is that anyone with a spare room can get involved and get their expenses covered in a weekly payment.
“The Welsh Government funding is making a difference, enabling Llamau to provide housing for vulnerable young people in Caerphilly.”
For more information about the Supported Lodgings scheme, contact Ms Vardon on 07776 723754 or email janicevardon@llamau.org.uk