Devon Council Approves Plans for Eight Supported Care Leaver Homes

Devon County Council has approved plans to collaborate with the children's charity Barnardo's to build eight new 'gap' homes designed to support care leavers with complex needs. These homes, located at Aldens Farm in Alphington, Exeter, and Silverhills in Barnstaple, will consist of clusters of four self-contained units alongside separate accommodation for support workers to provide tailored guidance. The initiative aims to help young people aged 16 and over transition from care to independent living, especially those who may not thrive in shared housing. This project follows an £18 million donation to Barnardo's from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, with Barnardo's investing £950,000 per site and the council leasing the land for 125 years. Planning consent is expected next year, with construction targeted for completion by March 2027. Councillor Richard Jefferies emphasized the importance of stable housing and support in reducing risks such as homelessness and health issues among care leavers.