HOMEOWNERS with room to spare are being encouraged to accommodate young people who are unable to live at home and need help to learn to live independently.

Stockton Borough Council has appealed for residents to join its supported lodgings scheme in a bid to recruit carers to provide a support for vulnerable teenagers.

Supported lodgings scheme carer, Maureen Trees, is currently housing Yacouba Traore.

Ms Trees said: “The time and emotional support I invested since he first came to me has been so worthwhile.

“Now, he’s completed the first year at university and is already making such a success of his life.”

For more information, visit stockton.gov.uk/supportedlodgings or call 01642-527860.