WORK to redevelop an old nursing home in to a Young Person’s Supported Living Scheme is now well underway.

Woodleaze Care Home in Yate closed in January 2008 after it was deemed unfit for use.

Councillors have since decided that the building should be used to support 16-25-year-olds, helping to equip them for independent living.

The new facility will provide 18 self-contained units and space for a range of other support services to be delivered on the site near Ridgewood Community Centre.

South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed that the facility is expected to open in May.

The council has made the existing building and grounds available to Solon, a locally-based charitable housing association, on a 60-year lease.

The Council also helped to secure £126,600 in grant funding and Solon have received £630,000 from Homes England to support the project.

Services to support the young people living at the new Woodleaze facility will be delivered by a range of partners, led by 1625 Independent People, who provide a range of help to young people at risk of homelessness, including teaching life-skills, advice, assistance to access training and job opportunities.

The principle behind the project is to help vulnerable young people make the transition to living independently, giving them skills and confidence.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Jon Hunt, said: “Our top priority is to improve outcomes for all young people in South Gloucestershire and we know that some of our most vulnerable need an extra helping hand to make the transition to independent living, particularly among our care leavers.

“I am really excited to see this project, which will make such a difference to the lives of young people, reach this important milestone.”

Paul Ville, Chief Executive of Solon, said: “Solon Housing is pleased that funding is now being provided for supported housing and delighted to be delivering this important scheme of much needed stable and secure homes for young people leaving care.”