A CHARITY is desperately seeking people who can provide temporary accommodation for young people.

Barnardo’s, in Hartlepool, wants to hear from people living within 20 miles of the town who have a spare room, can provide a stable environment and have a willingness to provide board and lodgings to 16 to 24-year-olds who have been homeless.

Accommodation providers will receive £210 per week.

The new service caters for young people who have been homeless, 'sofa' surfing' or in temporary accommodation in the town.

Leigh Kane of Barnardo's said: "These are young people who need a period of stability in their lives.

"It's a big step to take a stranger into your home but it's also worth remembering that it's daunting for the young person to go and live in a stranger's home.

"We try to match up the young person and the provider as best we can, and we're always honest about any issues that the provider needs to know about.” She added: “Young people do realise they're being given a chance to succeed and lots of opportunities, along with stability, which is something they may never have had in their lives before.”

Training and support will be offered to anyone providing accommodation.

For more information call Leigh Kane on 01429-424222.