Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, visited Stonewater’s Young Peoples Service in Fordington on Friday 20th October. The Service provides accommodation in the form of nine private rooms alongside shared facilities for 18- to 25-year-olds in need of additional support. Customers are allocated a key worker, who gives regular support with planning and working towards their future aspirations, as well as access to training and employment opportunities.
Mr Loder received a tour of the Young Peoples Service on his afternoon visit, followed by refreshments enjoyed with some of the customers, and a chance to hear about how the support service has improved their lives and given them more hope for the future. Following the visit, he said:
“It’s been great to spend time with customers and key workers at Stonewater’s accommodation in Dorchester, which provides a vital support service for young people. The service has a tangible impact for customers facing challenges, and I’m very grateful to staff and Stonewater for the positive work they are doing.”
Stonewater’s Darlene Ford, Senior Project Co-ordinator, said: “Our support services are more crucial than ever during the current difficulties being faced by young people including a cost-of-living crisis and challenges accessing mental health support services. We’re grateful to local MP Chris Loder for taking the time to come along and see the work we’re doing at the Young Persons Service and to meet some of our fantastic customers.”
As well as managing 36,000 homes across the country, Stonewater provides a number of foyers for young people, as well as supported living services for survivors of domestic abuse, and those with learning or physical disabilities and mental health needs.
