New £1.4million scheme for Magherafelt will support young people in need

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA and Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, have cut the first sod at a new £1.4million scheme to support young people in Magherafelt.

The development will be available to young people leaving care, and is being provided by OakleeTrinity Housing Association with support of £835,000 from the Department for Social Development.

Speaking at the event Minister Storey said: “This new housing scheme will make a huge difference to the daily lives of some of our most vulnerable young people. When complete, these new homes will provide an invaluable stepping stone on the sometimes difficult journey towards independent living. “I very much welcome that my Department and the Department of Health have been able to work together, along with other statutory and voluntary agencies, to bring this scheme to fruition. I look forward to seeing the building occupied as soon as possible.”

Once completed the new scheme will provide 13 self-contained apartments where young people will be able to live in a supportive environment and develop the skills required to move on into independent living. Three of the apartments will be provided for young people presenting as homeless. The scheme has been designed in conjunction with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust who will also provide day to day training and support from offices within the new development.

Also speaking at the event was Health Minister Simon Hamilton. He said: “This is a perfect example of Departments and their agencies working together to provide suitable supported living options for young people who are taking the step down from mainstream care placements. “This new supported housing facility will provide a safe and supported living environment where young people will be provided with tuition and guidance by Trust staff, helping them to develop the life skills needed to live independent lives in the wider community.”

Timothy Quin, Chairman of OakleeTrinity said: “OakleeTrinity is delighted to support and develop this new exciting supported living scheme for young people. This housing project will be achieved in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Supporting People team with the NIHE. It will consist of 13 self-contained apartments with the aim for young people to be integrated into the local community and eventually onto a permanent home of their own.”

Construction work, by MJ McBride Contractors, Draperstown, is expected to complete by spring 2016.