Focus Ireland to deliver first-of-their-kind aftercare homes in Mayo
FOCUS Ireland has announced the provision of five aftercare homes across Co. Mayo, a first-of-their-kind for the county.
These homes, which are delivered in collaboration with Tusla and Mayo County Council, will provide secure, long-term homes for young adults aged 18-23 years old who have recently left the State care system and are now being support by Tusla in aftercare.
With the support of Focus Ireland, these young adults, who have come through care in Co. Mayo, will be able to build independent lives in close proximity to their existing communities and support networks.
Speaking on the delivery, Stephen Horan, Focus Ireland key worker in the region, said: “This is a significant step forward for tackling youth homelessness in Co. Mayo. We know that young adults who have come through care are disproportionately impacted by homelessness and that is why aftercare is so important.
“The latest figures show that there are more than 1,200 young people aged 18-24 living in emergency accommodation in Ireland. We know that this isn’t the full picture when it comes to youth homelessness, with so many more couch-surfing relying on the goodwill of friends and family for a night here and there.”
He continued: “Focus Ireland has been delivering aftercare housing for young care-leavers for over two decades and we’re delighted to be able to expand this service and deliver this first-of-its-kind accommodation in Mayo. The young people who will take up these homes will be supported by Focus Ireland to build and live their own independent lives, while staying close to existing communities they have grown up in through the care system in Mayo.”
Paddy Martin, area manager for Mayo, Tusla, said of the initiative: “Aftercare is a key piece of a young person’s care journey that looks to build on and support the work that has already been undertaken by many people in their lives, including social workers, foster carers, and residential care workers, in preparing them for adulthood. Through aftercare, Tusla provides a range of supports, including financial supports with funding also available for a wide variety of courses and training, such as third level courses and apprenticeships.”
He continued: “As with many people in Ireland today, accessing accommodation remains a challenge for young people in aftercare, and Tusla works closely with Focus Ireland and Mayo County Council as part of our housing and accommodation strategy in the Mayo area. We are delighted for the young people who will benefit greatly from these new long-term homes, and we will continue to work with all our partners in the Mayo Aftercare Steering Committee to ensure that more young people in aftercare will have access to secure accommodation.”
Focus Ireland continues to expand and grow its activities in the West and North-West Region, with a number of fundraising initiatives planned over the coming months, including:
Stand up to Homelessness Paddle on August 6 and 13.
Achill to Westport greenway cycle on September 10.
Focus Ireland Skydive on September 18.