Families in Angus are being asked to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who’re separated from their loved ones

Angus Council is looking for single people, couples and families who can provide safe and supportive homes as supported lodging carers for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children coming to Angus.

The young people arriving as asylum seekers are usually around 16 or 17 years old with many having travelled for many months before arriving in the UK. They may have experienced difficult and traumatic living circumstances including time in refugee camps, separation from their families, being victims of human trafficking, physical and sexual abuse. Many of them also face uncertainty about their future life in the UK whilst their immigration status and right to remain are determined.

A couple who recently became supported lodging carers with Angus Council, share their experience: “While going through the process to become supported lodgings carers we were asked if we would care for an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child and we said yes as we wanted to help any young person in need.

“At the beginning of the placement we spent time with the young person getting to know them, their food preferences, their likes and dislikes. We helped them register with a school, doctor, dentist and bank and met with health advisors, social workers and English teachers.

“In terms of support, most of it is what any teenager needs – organising appointments, lifts to football practice, shopping, meals, washing and days out. We have had to learn to shop around to get Halal food as there is limited choice in our small town.

“We like to think our support is helping our young person to get used to their new surroundings, help him towards independent living when ready and settling into the different way of living in the UK. With our support the young person has joined activity groups in the community, is making new friends and is enjoying spending time doing activities.

“We have had a really good experience. We are prouder day by day, especially seeing him make friends and getting praise for his performance at sporting events. We have no regrets.”

Angus Council’s Convenor of Children and Learning, Cllr Lynne Devine said: “These young children arriving in Angus need a safe place to live with people who can support them to settle into life in Scotland and help them prepare to live independently.

“If you live in Angus, are over 21, with a spare room and looking to make a different to a young person starting a new life in Scotland, I encourage you to get in touch with Angus Council to find out about becoming a supported lodgings carer.”

Young people will live with their supported lodgings carer until they are able to move on to independent living, which can be between six and 18 months. Being approved as a supported lodgings carer involves an assessment which includes safer caring checks. Once approved they would have the opportunity to attend relevant training. They will also have an allocated social worker who will provide advice and guidance. Angus Council pays a weekly fee to supported lodgings carers to assist with day to day living costs whilst the young person will receive financial support themselves.

To find out about becoming a supported lodgings carer with Angus Council, please email fosteringandadoption@angus.gov.uk or call 01241 464646 and ask to speak to the duty social worker,