REDDITCH YMCA is set to extend its support to vulnerable young people.

The Church Hill organisation has been allocated grants from Worcestershire Supporting People to recruit a new team of staff.

The team, which will be headed by support manager John McHugh, consists of support officers Tony Randall, Debbie McWilliams, Andy Parkes and Lucy Hallett and programme workers Kash Amin and Rachael Tandy, whose main objectives are to provide 'sanctuary, stability and resettlement'.

Mr McHugh said: "We are now entering a new phase for Redditch YMCA.

"The work that has been done in the past has been excellent but our support workers were stretched, often beyond their limits.

"The new team will be building on the success already existing but have the time and resources to provide a truly first class service for our residents."

A Redditch YMCA spokesman said the organisation recognised people taking up accommodation there had a wide range of personal needs and often arrived at a particularly difficult period in their lives.

The spokesman added: "The support officers will ensure their tenancy will provide such safety.

"Once a tenant has been inducted into their flat the support officers will then build a clear relationship with them through a series of interviews and create an action plan to enable them to achieve individual life goals.

"Once plans are in place, these will be monitored and reviewed and longer term goals identified to enable tenants to become wholly independent and move forward in their lives."

Plans are also in the pipeline to develop programmes around issues such as numeracy, literacy, money management, hygiene, cooking, welfare benefits, social skills and stress and behaviour management.

Residents will also be encouraged to take part in YMCA community programmes and moves are afoot to create a forum for residents to air their views.