By Debbie Kerr

A YOUNG people’s support agency will today celebrate the opening of a new homeless unit in Dundee.

Action for Children Scotland, formerly known as NCH Scotland, now offers 10 new supported flats in the Hilltown area of the city, providing secure independent living for vulnerable people.

The unit, which offers young people guidance and practical support to establish a stable lifestyle, is part of the latest phase of the Dundee Youth Housing Support Services run by Action for Children Scotland in partnership with Dundee City Council.

The supported unit will give vulnerable young people the chance to turn their lives around for the better by learning how to budget their money, cook for themselves and find long-term employment.

After a time the tenants, who go through an assessment process before being assigned to the flats, will aim to move into more permanent accommodation where they take on their own lease and support themselves.

Dundee City Council housing convener Councillor George Regan said that the new accommodation would play a vital part in the city’s battle with homelessness.

He said, “The city council takes seriously its responsibilities towards the homeless and it is very much an issue that involves partnership working to bring suitable resources together so that people gain maximum benefit from the efforts made to help them.

“The new facility is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a successful partnership and I am sure it will be a valuable resource for the young people it is aimed at.”

Lord Provost John Letford, councillors and representatives from Action for Scotland will attend a civic reception today at the city chambers to mark the opening of the new supported flats.

In addition to the Hilltown facility, Dundee Youth Housing Support Services also provide a range of flexible housing support to meet the needs of homeless people aged 16-21 years across the city.

Other accommodation includes the Cowan Grove core block, which provides accommodation on a residential basis for up to eight young people.

Another local project, Street Level, provides a further nine supported flats that offers more intensive help to those who require such support for a longer time. A supported tenancy initiative is also offered to young people to tackle youth homelessness created by anti-social behaviour.

Kerry Laverty (22) is one of the many success stories of the service. After being made homeless at the age of 17, Kerry was helped by the NCH housing support service in Dundee to find a tenancy and was supported to become independent.

She went back to college and now works full time, while looking after her daughter

Kerry has since volunteered her time to the charity, supporting young people who faced similar difficulties to hers when she found herself homeless.

Action for Children Scotland developed its first youth work project in the city in 1986, eventually developing into a support service giving shelter and hope for the future to homeless young people.

The charity has since opened purpose-built emergency and support accommodation, organised outreach services and employed volunteers to support and befriend homeless young people.

The organisation now provides help to more than 100 young people a year.

Andrew Girvan, director of children’s services for Action for Children Scotland, said co-operation between homeless agencies can provide essential assistance for homeless young people.

He said, “Becoming homeless can be a blow that some young people never recover from. Providing them with support is vital to help them make the best of their lives.

“The positive and effective partnerships established between ourselves, Dundee City Council, Hillcrest and Abertay housing associations and other agencies is making a real difference to the lives of young people.”