In Sefton we are welcoming young refugees, but we cannot do it alone - we need your help to give them stable homes.
The plight of refugees has been played out across our television screens, online and on social media, and in particular that of children and young people who have fled across Europe and to the UK.
Due to the ongoing crisis in Syria and violence in the Middle East and North Africa the UK has seen a marked increase in unaccompanied children and young people arriving as refugees from their home countries, where they have experienced trauma through war, persecution and a general lack of safety. With the announcement that the UK will welcome thousands of refugees in the coming months, even more foster carers are needed.
Unaccompanied children and young people have been concentrated in Kent and Croydon, the placers where they first seek asylum. To relieve the pressure in those areas, the Government has taken the step of dispersing young refugees proportionately across all regions of the UK, including Sefton and the wider Liverpool City Region.
In Sefton we have warm, open communities where the majority of residents take an active role and make new visitors welcome. We are appealing to our residents to put that spirit into action to provide stable homes for children and young people who need them more than most. Through either fostering or providing supported lodgings for older young people.
To express an interest in caring for young refugees, you can complete our simple online form, contact our Fostering Service on 0800 923 2777 or by email
What is Fostering?
Fostering placements are needed for children and young people seeking asylum, where they can feel safe and begin to build a new life for themselves. We are looking for people who can provide a stable foster home and lots of support and encouragement to help these children and young people to feel safe and secure.
What are Supported Lodgings?
Some unaccompanied refugees will require supported lodgings instead of foster care so we are also appealing for people to come forward who are able to offer rooms to unaccompanied young refugees.
Supported lodgings are somewhere vulnerable young people age 16-25 live with what is known as an ‘approved person’ for between two months and 2 years. Their hosts offer them vital support with everyday skills such as cooking, as well as giving them invaluable encouragement and guidance.
What will be expected of me?
- To provide a young person with a room of their own and use of the kitchen, bathroom and living rooms.
- A safe and welcoming home environment.
- Advice and support on practical skills like cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry and using public transport.
- Encouragement to make and sustain positive choices in their lives.
To provide either fostering placements or supported lodgings you will need a spare room you can be from any background, do not need qualifications (although for fostering, a caring background is preferable); do not need to own your home but should have room in your home nd a desire to improve the lives of young people who need it most.
You can express your interest in caring for a young refugee