HOME and dry - that's the young people who have found a safe haven in Lytham after being homeless.

Harbour House, officially opened in Dock Road last week, is the only refuge for the young homeless in South Fylde, providing flatlets and 24-hour support for up to 12 people aged 16 to 25.

The £400,000 centre, built by the North British Housing Association and run by St Annes-based charity Face-to-Face, was opened officially by James McIlroy, former priest of St Alban's RC Church, St Annes.

Spokesman for Face-to-Face Doug Clements said: "There was no provision whatsoever in South Fylde for the young homeless. All we could offer was places in Blackpool and a lot of them did not want to go there. "Often their relationships with their parents have broken down and they want to stay near friends and support-network that they know."

Young homeless people can apply to Harbour House themselves, or be referred by social services or other bodies. Some have left children's homes with nowhere to go, and some become homeless through family breakdown.

Harbour House project leader Janette Heys said: "We've actually been open since August 16 and I'm pleased with how things are going. We have 10 residents at the moment and they've all settled in well, making good progress."

Each resident has a kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom for up to 12 months. On arrival, they are allocated a primary worker to work out an action plan with them and offer practical help to overcome previous problems.

Trained counsellors and group therapy help deal with emotional trauma to a point where the young people can move on to a new life, going out to work or training.

Neighbours had opposed the scheme but since it opened there have been no complaints, said Mrs Heys.

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