Accommodation and practical support to help South Ayrshire youngsters build independent lives

Young people leaving care in South Ayrshire will have the support they need to build a safe and stable future, thanks to a supported accommodation service that offers both a safe place to stay and help with day-to-day life.

The South Ayrshire Supported Accommodation in the Belmont area of Ayr, was previously run by Quarriers but following a tendering process, is now being operated by Glasgow-based charity Right There.

Most of the existing staff have been retained and will be working with the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership to help 16 to 25-year-olds at risk of homelessness, by providing a safe place to stay. The young people will also be supported to access education, work and local services – helping them to manage money, maintain a tenancy and build the confidence to live independently.

Since taking over in May, Right There staff have been working with the young people to help redesign the service, with particular focus on increased support to build independent living skills.

Sara Ali, Head of Children & Families at Right There, said: “We believe that everyone should have the right support at the right time to prevent homelessness before it happens. Too often, young people leaving care face a cliff edge without the stability or support they need. We want to build on the fantastic work done by Quarriers these past years to create a programme which allows us to step in earlier, alongside experienced local staff and partners, to help young people build confidence, manage their own home and create a more secure future.”