Young people aged 16-21 are being provided with a safe living environment across South Lanarkshire.
Host families help unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people through the Supported Carers Service of Family Connections.
As well as a safe living environment, they also help them develop skills for independent living as they transition into adulthood.
They receive regular support from a designated social worker, while emergency support outside regular hours is also on hand. Financial assistance is given through a weekly allowance of £270 per young person every two weeks.
Training is provided regularly, and Family Connections supplies necessary equipment such as furniture and bedding.
One person who has extensive experience of hosting young asylum-seekers is Gill Seth, who said: “I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it, to go for it – it is the best thing I have ever done. Of course, at times it is hard and challenging and you wonder why you got involved in it, but there are so many other times that are wonderful and you know exactly why you are doing it.
“After I hosted my first asylum seeker, I was delighted to be able to take on more. Knowing the life that these young people have had, and then seeing them in their future, especially when they have moved on and have lives of their own, is the most wonderful feeling in the world, and one you could never understand unless you experience it yourself.”
