New facilities providing vital accommodation and support for young people at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping have opened in central Warrington.
Warrington Borough Council has officially opened the doors on the 12 new supported housing units in the Bewsey area, which aim to address gaps in homelessness provision in the borough.
Funded by the Government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP), with match funding from Warrington Borough Council, the facilities offer a safe and supportive environment for young people with complex needs and care leavers aged 18 and over who require ongoing accommodation and assistance.
Located across two sites within 100 yards of each other, the development comprises 12 one-bedroom apartments, with six of them fully wheelchair accessible.
A key feature of the new provision is 24-hour, 7-day-a-week onsite support, with trained staff providing intensive assistance throughout the day and night.
The larger of the two schemes boasts a dedicated communal area, serving both locations for individual and group work, educational and training opportunities, and meetings with professionals. In line with the council’s commitment to sustainability, both properties are equipped with solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Residents can also access dedicated support for learning, education, training, and meaningful activity through the council’s homeless engagement co-ordinator.
Both sites also include designated staff areas with offices, sleeping areas, and washing facilities.
The Bewsey location was strategically chosen for its safety, suitability for supported housing, and excellent community, transport, and amenities links. Warrington Borough Council will manage the properties directly.
Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for poverty, inequality and protection, Cllr Sue Emery, said: “These fantastic new facilities are an important part of our ongoing work to address gaps in homelessness and rough sleeping provision.
“We’ll be working closely with local partners and deploying existing resources, assets and expertise to provide crucial support to people who need it most.
“It’s about ensuring that those most at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping can feel safe and comfortable, benefiting from a holistic approach that combines safe housing with comprehensive support services.”
Cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “It’s great to see these 12 new units opening. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision to make a tangible difference to young people’s lives.
“I’m looking forward to this development playing an important role in providing comprehensive support, care, education and training to young people. It’s not just about offering a roof over their heads, it’s about empowering them with the life skills, emotional resilience, and educational opportunities they need to thrive independently.”
Nicola Harwood, Executive Director of Operations at youth homelessness charity Depaul UK, who will provide support services at the units, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Warrington Borough Council to deliver this much-needed service. Depaul UK will provide trauma-informed and outcomes-focused support to 12 young people. Ultimately, our goal is to provide a safety net, helping prevent long-term or recurrent homelessness in the future.
“When we provide young people with homes that they can be proud of, it shows we believe in their potential, and we want to invest in their futures. With the right support, these homes can create high aspirations and brighter futures for the young people living there.”
