Ashington pensioner's home helps the vulnerable

Posted by The Journal on May 28, 09 11:06 AM in News

Celia Thompson and Joanne Patterson A great-grandmother who has opened her home to vulnerable youngsters is urging others to follow in her footsteps.

Pensioner Celia Thompson has been fostering young people for 16 years and has been a supported lodgings provider for Barnardo's twice.

In that time, she has taken several young people into her home at Garden City Villas, Ashington, for up to six years.

The project gives vulnerable youngsters stability after they come out of care or if the relationship with their family has broken down. It caters for young people aged 16 to 21 who are not ready for independent living.

At the moment, there are only 18 accommodation providers in Northumberland, but a lot more are needed and these could be single people, couples or families with children.

Celia, 68, said fostering and providing accommodation for youngsters has been one of the best things she has ever done.

The mother-of-five, who is at the moment supporting 19-year-old Joanne Patterson (pictured with Celia), said: "When my husband died, I was rattling around on my own and I decided I would try it out. It is definitely the best thing I have ever done, it is so rewarding.

"It is nice to see them grow up and develop. I always treat them as one of the family, they go to all the parties and weddings.

"It's great when they are ready to move on, as it shows they have the confidence for solo living. Sometimes it is hard for them when they first come to you and you see the tears, but after about six months they turn round.

"Being able to provide Joanne with stability for an extra couple of years has given her time to find her own feet.

"Joanne wasn't ready to move out last year but now she feels more confident about it and I can see a massive difference."

Joanne, who hopes to be a nursery assistant, said: "I was nervous about having to look after myself, from taking care of my money and eating well. But now I feel more prepared.

"I know Celia will always be there if I need her to be, which is great."

Children's charity Barnardo's is crying out for more volunteers.

Carol Preston, co-ordinator of the Barnardo's Housing Project, said: "Sometimes the youngsters do have issues, but sometimes they are happy young people who just need a period of stability in their lives.

"They usually form a good relationship with the people and continue to visit them long after they have left.

"And of course, they're still very young - and just like other young people in that they need to be able to continue to make the mistakes that all youngsters make, and have someone to pick up the pieces."

To find out more about the supported lodging scheme, call Carol on (01670) 714400.

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