A CHARITY is seeking volunteers to take young people leaving care into their homes.

The National Children's Home Tubwell Project, in Darlington, wants to encourage people to join its supported lodgings scheme.

The scheme helps the homeless and those leaving care, aged between 16 and 21, who do not have the skills to look after themselves.

There are only four volunteers in the Darlington area, and three houses available for people to stay in.

The charity is anxious to expand its work.

Volunteers are trained to care for young people and are asked to introduce them to general domestic routines and basic living skills.

Sharron Towns, from the project, said: "These young people need to be able to develop skills before they can live on their own. They need to learn basic things like cooking, budgeting and clearing up after themselves.

"Many parents teach their children these things from an early age, but these young people have had very disrupted upbringings."

Volunteers also provide emotional support and guidance to the young people, preparing them for living alone.

All volunteers are trained and given support as well as payment for their work.

Ms Towns said: "Anyone can apply to become part of the supported lodgings scheme. People who are married, single, parents or childless can help. As long as they have a spare room and are willing to undergo the training they will be a valuable addition to the scheme."

Anyone interested can call the project on (01325) 254899, or visit a stall in the Cornmill Centre next Wednesday, between noon and 3.30pm.