Milton Keynes Council has launched a new deposit scheme which will help young people leaving care with the upfront costs of moving into their first home.
The £70,000 fund will help Care Leavers to secure a mortgage or rental property and is available to current and former Carer Leavers up to the age of 25.
MK Council is currently supporting 177 Care Leavers. The new deposit scheme will build on the wide range of support already in place including accommodation, living allowances and help to secure education, training and employment opportunities.
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “Our children in care are so full of potential and deserve the same opportunities as any other young people. We recognise that the upfront costs of accommodation will be restrictive to many Care Leavers and this new deposit scheme will help them to achieve independence.
Alongside the financial support available, our 16-25 team are dedicated to helping young people as they transition through this important period in their lives. We want to ensure that in Milton Keynes, no young people are left behind.”
This week, the council is celebrating National Care Leavers Week (25 October – 31 October). A wide range of social events and online activities are running.
At a special event in central MK last night, social workers, carers and teachers joined 46 Care Leavers to celebrate their achievements. The annual True Triumph event was held at Bistro Live and included a magician, DJ and photo booth.
For further information on the Care Leaver accommodation deposit scheme and how to apply, please visit the MK Care Leavers Hub.