Newly opened housing for homeless youth undergoing training

In St Peter Port, Guernsey, a set of training flats has been made available to support young people in learning how to live independently. These single-occupancy homes were purchased by Maison St Pierre and are leased to Action for Children.

The facility offers six training flats, education and training resources, and an emergency seventh room for young people facing homelessness crises.

Aaron Davies, Service Manager for Action for Children in Guernsey, commented: Our team is ready to expand this service, delivering our vision to provide young people in Guernsey with the essential skills to thrive independently.

He added: Reaching this stage has been a long journey, but seeing the flats ready for launch is truly incredible. The residents will either be homeless or at risk, needing guidance in living independently. Young people will stay with us for six months to a year while acquiring these vital life skills.

James Ellis from Maison St Pierre said: We are thrilled with the outcome and eager for the flats to start serving young people. The first residents are expected to move in just before Christmas, ensuring a warm and safe holiday season.

Supporting Young People Towards Independence in Guernsey

The launch of the new training flats in St Peter Port is a significant step forward in addressing the housing and independence needs of young people in Guernsey. These six single-occupancy homes, managed by Action for Children and owned by Maison St Pierre, offer a comprehensive support system aimed at equipping vulnerable youth with essential life skills.

Each flat serves as a transitional space, where young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can receive guidance and practical training. The initiative is not only about providing shelter but also about fostering independence. Residents will stay in these flats for up to a year, with the goal of preparing them for successful independent living once they move on.

Aaron Davies, Service Manager at Action for Children, emphasized the importance of this program in helping young people thrive. He mentioned that the process of setting up the facility has been lengthy, but seeing it come to fruition is incredibly rewarding. The flats are not just a roof over their heads—they are part of a structured process to instill confidence and teach essential life skills.

With the first residents expected to move in before Christmas, this initiative promises to provide a much-needed sense of stability and support during the holiday season. James Ellis from Maison St Pierre expressed excitement about the project’s completion, acknowledging that these flats will serve as a critical resource for young people in the community.

Sources:

• Training flats open for homeless young people