THE first specialist supported housing in Ross-on-Wye for young people who’ve faced major barriers in life has been opened by Herefordshire Council.

The new programme, which aims to support young people aged between 18 and 25 and include care leavers or those that have been rough sleeping or have become homeless, the chance for stable, safe accommodation of their own – with ongoing help support them to move forward in life.

It’s the culmination of a major three-year £2million+ social housing programme to give often vulnerable people who are facing major challenges

The conversion of a property in Ross completes a total of 15 new units in the county dedicated to young people including care leavers, those who have been rough sleeping for months, people previously housed in temporary accommodation and have faced other challenges.

The young people are charged social rents but get support from specialist officers and housing provider CCP to help live independently, manage their tenancies, and prepare for the future.

Cllr Carole Gandy, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing, said: “This is about giving young people who have faced all types of barriers the support and opportunities they deserve.

“We know that having a place of your own, safety and support to transition from their previous environment and experiences can make the world of difference.

“Not only does this help change people’s lives now, but it will also do for many years ahead.

“When young people move on, they are equipped to take the next step and transition to even more independence, and other young people such as care leavers can move in and benefit from the support.

“I am proud of Council officers’ and partners’ work for the people who need our support the most - giving young people real opportunities for a better future.”

Milly Boylan, a director of @the Hub in Ross, said: “There is an absolute need for a facility like this in this locality. It also adds another layer of safeguarding for these young people.

“As we work with these vulnerable adults on a daily basis, we welcome Herefordshire Council’s initiative, as it allows these vulnerable adults to stay in Ross.

“I know the facility, and I feel it’s in a good location for these young people to thrive and prepare them for the future.

“Ultimately, the new supported housing unit will benefit the town of Ross greatly in more ways than one.”

Herefordshire Council obtained funding from a range of sources including the government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme, the Better Care Fund, and Section 106 contributions from developers to purchase, build and renovate properties for single-person use.

Funding was also secured for specialist support workers to help equip young people with key life skills including managing bills, the tenancy itself and looking after their homes.

There were previously no such properties available for young people in Ross, but the new development - converting a single house into four self-contained flats, adds to the 11 units already opened in Hereford.