Plans have been lodged to convert a Ryton house into a home for children suffering from trauma and exploitation. 

A Wilderness Way Ltd, a care provider for vulnerable children, has submitted proposals to Gateshead Council to use a Woodside Lane property as a home for “solely one child” at a time and staff.

According to submitted documents, if approved the home would see six members of staff attached to the property, working in rotation, to ensure two adults are present at any time. 

In a ‘statement of purpose’ document, A Wilderness Way Ltd, stated: “The children we look after come to us in crisis and have a range of needs.

"Many are the victims of exploitation and have experienced trauma, dysfunction and danger, and have been rendered vulnerable and at risk. They, therefore, present with a range of social, emotional, and behavioral characteristics and complex needs.”

The statement continued: “Our nurturing approach, and safe, tranquil environment, coupled with our spirit of adventure and challenge, has huge benefits in terms of safeguarding children from risk, recovery from trauma and promoting wellbeing and self-esteem.” 

The care provider also stated that it organises meet and greet sessions with direct neighbours and local communities, and is “always out of their way” to keep positive community relationships.

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In addition, according to the application documents, the premises has sufficient parking for four cars and access for emergency vehicles. 

A decision on the application, according to Gateshead Council’s planning portal, has yet to be made. However, three public objections have already been made. 

A Wilderness Way also operates other homes across rural Cumbria, County Durham, Northumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and southern Scotland.