Council creates new homes for vulnerable children

The homes, which provide short to medium-term care for young people up to the age of 18, will mean they can remain in the borough, continue to attend their schools or colleges, and maintain links with their family, friends and support network.   

The project, delivered by Bugler Developments on behalf of the council, also features a separate leisure and resource centre for individual tuition and counselling sessions, a space to prepare young people for independent living, teaching skills such as cooking, as well as an area for them to enjoy activities and games.

There's also a new multi-use games area with collapsible football goals and a basketball hoop. 

Specialised workers from the council will be available 24 hours a day to give the young people access to tailored, wraparound support services in a safe and comfortable environment, and older children will also be offered bespoke support into independent accommodation.  

In line with the council's commitment to being a green and sustainable borough, the new properties are fitted with solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.  

Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "I'm delighted to see these new homes completed which are modern, safe and welcoming places to live, and spaces where young people needing more support can make their own and have opportunities to thrive."  

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, added: "Not only are we helping our own children within the borough and providing valuable support, but these new homes also mean we are not spending money on costly out-of-borough placements - a real win-win for the council."