A NEW £150,000 development to help homeless young people was officially opened this week.

Local MP David Chaytor dropped in to meet the tenants and see the work done at Rachel House in Mossfield Close, Bury, which tries to give needy youngsters a stable home and prepare them for daily life.

The development creates extra accommodation and improved facilities for both youngsters and staff at Rachel House. It is a partnership between Barnardo's, the Rachel House Trust, West Pennine Housing Association and Bury social services. It aims to provide people aged between 16 and 21 with a stable base where they can learn the skills and confidence needed for independent living.

Residents receive advice on budgeting, cookery, health and hygiene, education and training, leisure and relationships.

A £150,000 Lottery grant has funded the scheme as well as paying to recruit an extra resettlement worker, who will help young people move on to live independently in permanent accommodation.

The extension was unveiled yesterday by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor John Costello, watched by staff, social workers and residents.

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