Last week (27 Feb 25), MP Andrew Cooper visited our supported accommodation for care leavers in Winsford to learn more about the challenges faced by young people leaving the care system.
Daniel Dumoulin, our Director of Development and External Affairs showed the MP around, introducing him to Keeley Bird (who manages the service) and a young care leaver being supported.
Keeley explained to the MP that the aim of the service was to prepare young people to ‘live, work, earn, and learn’ by providing them with important life skills that will help them live independently in the future, absolutely essential for a group of young people who are far more at risk of homelessness than others their age.
Shockingly recent research shows that care leavers facing homelessness has risen by 54 percent in the last six years.
The young care leaver who met Mr Cooper explained: A year ago, I didn’t think I’d be where I am now. Having my own place, feeling hopeful—it’s a massive change. Before coming here, I felt like I had no options. But the team has really helped me get back on my feet and see a future for myself. They’ve supported me with finding a place to live and learning skills I never thought I’d need. It’s made a huge difference.’
After the visit, the MP for Mid-Cheshire told us:
“It’s been brilliant to visit today, right in the heart of my constituency. What’s happening here – in terms of getting young people ready to be independent, get accommodation of their own, teach them independent skills and get them into employment, is absolutely vital work. I hope we can see this rolled out in more places around the country because youth homelessness is a national scandal. It’s incumbent on this government to deal with it and organisations like Depaul UK are at the front line in helping solve that problem for us.”
The visit concluded with the MP and Dan agreeing on the need to ensure youth homelessness is firmly on the Government’s agenda and that more young people across the UK receive the support they deserve.
