Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government, the accommodation in Arbroath is supported “on-site” via a training flat and office accommodation for the council’s Throughcare and Aftercare team and a concierge system operates at night and at weekends.

Angus Council’s children and learning convener, councillor Sheena Welsh, hailed the newly established accommodation as an “excellent” resource for young people leaving care.

She was joined on a visit to the dedicated facility in Millgate Loan by fellow Arbroath East & Lunan councillor and communities convener, councillor Donald Morrison.

The aim of the resource is to improve the outcomes for care leavers when they make the transition from the care system to independent living.

Cllr Welsh said: “The accommodation has been operating since mid-summer and is proving to be an excellent resource. The flats help young people to take control of their own lives and develop the necessary skills for an independent life, such as budgeting and household management skills.

“It also reduces the potential for young people to struggle or fail to adapt to a life beyond the care system and reduces the costs of managing a situation where a young person has failed to cope with what is a major step in their life.”

The training flat allows young people who are currently in care to spend short periods of time experiencing independent living.

It is anticipated that tenancies, allocated via a multi-agency group, will last for between six and 12 months. Allocation is based on the young person’s needs and whether they would benefit from this type of support.

Evidence indicates that it is unrealistic to expect all young people leaving care to support themselves independently. Many require a period of support, care and guidance to learn the skills required to manage their own home.

Cllr Morrison said: “Clearly every individual is different and there is no one single or simple solution when supporting a young person to make the transition from care to a life lived independently.

“But this new facility provides those who need it with a more protected environment that allows them to develop their skills, and self-confidence and will make a significant difference at a crucial stage in their lives.”

@AngusCouncil