A LOCAL housing provider has renewed its commitment to helping homeless young people.

Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) has reaffirmed its commitment, with the recent announcement of two new building projects in the area.

BCHA has been awarded funding from the Homes and Communities Agency/Department Health ‘Platform for Life’ scheme. This funding has been allocated to help specialist housing providers create low-rent accommodation for young people aged 18 to 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Funding is available to support tenants’ participation in work, further education and vocational training. It will assist residents into long term employment, independence and improved prospects for a successful and healthy life.

Tenancies will be time limited and conditional to participation in work, further education or vocational training. BCHA is working closely with organisations including Bournemouth and Poole College and the Construction Training Board to provide apprenticeships and personal mentors for all the 18 to 24 year olds.

Work has already started on a three story extension, which will see the conversion of its former office space into six two bedroom flats.

In addition to this project, the recent purchase of 12 bed former care home in Bournemouth, will see it refurbished into specialist housing for vulnerable adults with complex care needs. This 12-unit refurbishment, will comprise of 10 self-contained flats with en-suite and kitchen facilities and is due to be completed by August this year.

BCHA, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018, supports over 10,000 people every year across the South West to take control of their lives.