Bury Council Launches Housing Scheme for Care Leavers Across Borough

Several initiatives across England are focusing on improving care and support for vulnerable children and young people. Bury Council has pioneered a housing scheme that ringfences homes specifically for care leavers, addressing the abrupt loss of support many face upon turning 18. In Hampshire, Hockley House has opened as the first residential facility in the county combining social care, health care, and education for children with complex emotional and mental health needs, aiming to reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Meanwhile, in Redcar, plans to convert a residential property into a care home for children with emotional and behavioral disorders have sparked local concerns about suitability and community impact. Additionally, the Pen Green Centre in Northamptonshire, a model for early years care and the Sure Start programme, faces financial threats under new local council leadership, raising fears about the future of crucial wrap-around childcare services. These stories highlight ongoing efforts and challenges in providing tailored, stable support environments for children in care nationwide.