Teens’ home from home

CHEERS. . . Carl McDermott, left, and Martin Lloyd toast the first birthday of their supported housing

TEENAGERS have celebrated the first year of a supported housing project in Werneth.

Manchester Methodist Housing Association, part of Great Places Housing Group, developed the scheme for 16 to 18-year-olds who are leaving care.

Backed by Oldham Council, residents get one-to-one support on accessing training, employment and education, plus life skills like budgeting and cooking, with the aim to live independently.

Leaving care and getting a home of their own can be a daunting time for young people.

Many of them run the risk of becoming homeless and some need the continuing support from social services.

The five-bedroom supported living accommodation, staffed 24 hours a day, is part of the Housing Market Renewal programme in Werneth.