West Lothian Council is seeking to recruit local people to become Supported Adult Carers

The Supported Adult Placement scheme provides a service for young people aged 16-21 who have been looked after away from home, as well as young asylum seekers. The scheme aims to provide a safe, nurturing environment for young people enabling them to develop independent living skills.

Supported Adult Carers are enthusiastic, understanding, caring and driven people who provide a comfortable home for young people to stay in, and offer support, guidance and stability, with a view to the young person moving onto independent living when appropriate.

Anne, a Supported Adult Carer said: "We enjoy being supported adult carers because you can help and support them make the right choices for their future. It is very rewarding to see them blossom into young adults with a great future in front of them. We are still in touch with all the young people and still see them as part of our family".

Supported Adult Carers are employed by the council and receive a monthly payment.

If you are interested in finding out more, please email the team at Supportedadultplacementteam@westlothian.gov.uk or call 07824529662 to arrange an informal chat

Executive councillor for Social Work & Health, Anne McMillan said: "We can all remember a time as young adults, when we relied on someone to point us in the right direction and we are looking for selfless, local residents who think they can help a young person through this hugely transitional period in their life. Past, and current carers, who are part of the council's Supported Adult Placement scheme, have spoken about how enriching the experience has been for them. Anyone who joins the scheme will be supported every step of the way along the journey. If you are interested in finding out more then please get in touch with the Supported Adult Placement Team today. That initial contact could be the first step in positively changing the life of young person."