Bridge for Young People

About Bridge for Young People

We work to bridge the critical gap from foster care to independence; we provide a safe comfortable home and tailored support to care leavers and homeless aged 16-25. In the UK the average age a young person ‘flies the nest’ is 25 and most know they can always lean on mum and dad if things get tough. Yet many vulnerable young people leave foster care at just 16, 17 or 18 years old and are then expected to live independently. Most have already experienced great instability and trauma in their childhood. Whilst some have wonderful experiences of foster care, for many young people their experience of the care system is one of ongoing unpredictable change. It’s not uncommon for a young person to see as many as 30 different social workers, or to experience nine or ten care placements. They are then expected to stand on their own two feet at a younger age, with fewer skills and resources, no safety net, and nowhere safe to call home. Young care leavers say that the relentless isolation, fear, and loneliness can be crushing. It’s shocking, but not surprising that a third fall into homelessness in the first two years after leaving care. Bridge for Young People was established 15 years ago to bridge this critical gap between foster care and independent living, providing supported housing and vital emotional and practical support, and guidance to care leavers and young homeless aged 16 – 25. There are no other providers of this unique support model in West Berkshire or surrounding counties. Places are much sought after, and we have to turn away many more young people than we can help. Our service provides accommodation in three family-sized residential homes providing daily support via an overnight live-in supervisor and one-to-one support from specialist support workers during the day, with extra help from our brilliant volunteers. We are registered as Young People and Children First and known as Bridge for Young People.

View contact profiles from Bridge for Young People