A scheme which saved a young woman from a life on the streets and ended with her studying at university is to be extended for another four years.

Sandwell Council is to spend over a quarter of million pounds on its Supported Lodgings for Homeless Young People project.

The scheme helps find accommodation for teenagers aged 16-18 who have either left their home or are planning to do so.

Members of the cabinet will be told at a meeting today (Wednesday) how the project changed the life of a 16-year-old.

The young woman – who has not be named – left home after gaining her GCSEs because her father’s drinking and ‘volatile temper’.

After being placed with a host family she was able to she study for her A Levels and after two years applied to university.

Her host family took her away on holiday abroad and even gave her their old car when she passed her driving test.

She left the scheme when she went to Worcester University to study how to become a midwife but still comes back to her host family for Sunday lunch at weekends.

The project offers up 15 places with a host family while they prepare for independent living or until the age of 18.

David Stevens, Executive Director of Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, says the service plays: “A fundamental role in reducing the number of people in bed and breakfast and temporary accommodation and preventing incidences of homelessness within the Sandwell borough.

“Services offer a room with a trained vetted host offering the young person a safe supportive environment to stay while they prepare for independent living.”

He adds: “Clients can reside in services for up to the age of 18 or until clients can successfully move on to independent living.”

Councillors are being asked to back the scheme at a meeting of the council’s cabinet today.

Caption: Sandwell Counci House.  Credit Sandwell Council,  permission for use granted.