The young persons' project was launched in May 2004, this is a joint initiative with CAIS (the drug and alcohol agency) operating in the Wrexham area. This is funded through the Welsh Assembly Government and is aimed at young homeless people aged 16-25.

The project offers a wide range of services, such as: a drop-in facility, specialist housing advice and advocacy, support with substance misuse issues, outreach support, soup dragon - a service offering hot meals 3 times per week; practical help finding accommodation, help finding furniture and accessing grants, and on-going tenancy support to enable clients to maintain their tenancies. The project is well-established and has helped many clients move into accommodation and provided on-going support.

Case Study: Danny, 16, was a heavy user of alcohol with no fixed address. He had local connections in Wrexham but, after the breakdown of his parents' marriage, he was forced to leave the family home and made homeless.

He made a homeless application to the local authority. With support from a worker at the project, he was placed at the Sunset guesthouse. Following intense work by his support worker he was accepted by WCBC as being homeless.

Danny was re-housed in Wrexham, and with support from his key worker managed to acquire a community care grant, along with a cooker and fridge freezer from two local charities. He has since enrolled in college and is sustaining his tenancy.

Further information:
Falmai Lloyd Evans - Team Leader
Wrexham Young Persons Project
65 King Street
Wrexham
LL11 1HR
Tel: 01978 314314
Email: falmaid@sheltercymru.org.uk

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