A PROJECT is looking for volunteers to provide a spare room for vulnerable people.

The Tubwell Project in Darlington, set up in October 1999, supports teenagers with housing, health, education, benefit and employment problems.

A new scheme is being launched to provide permanent homes for young people.

Project manager Tom Adams is looking for people who have a spare room available and can give a fresh start to someone who is homeless or a youngster who has just left the local authority care system.

"There are not a lot of young homeless people, but there are many who are living in unsatisfactory accommodation," he said.

"This scheme will provide a vulnerable young person with a safe and welcoming place to stay at a time when they need it the most," said Mr Adams.

The aim is to provide an emergency service or a long-term, supported lodging service.

"We want to provide a bed at short notice to stop young people living on the street, or suitable long-term accommodation for anything up to 18 months," said Mr Adams.

The Tubwell Project costs at least £170,000 a year and is funded by Darlington Social Services and National Children's Home charity. So far it has helped 144 young people. Darlington Borough Council has put its housing advice and homeless strategy on hold until April next year to accommodate new legislation which will alter the way the services will be provided in the future.

The strategy was expected to be put into action in April this year.

Cliff Brown, the council's director of community services, said: "Our action plan sets out to improve services through to April 2002 and beyond, and it must be deferred to allow guidance and legislative change to be accommodated."