YOUNG people who have faced homelessness will benefit from a scheme supported by a Trowbridge-based company which helps private landlords to fill vacant properties quickly and free of charge.

The Amber Foundation in Bythesea Road are involved in the The Rent Deposit Scheme which so far has supported over 200 young people into their own rented homes by providing landlords with a cash deposit to protect them from rent arrears and damage to the property.

Sarah Johnson, operations manager for The Amber Foundation, said: “Our Rent Deposit Scheme helps young people across the county who have faced homelessness and are now ready to live independently to gain access to the private rented sector.

“Young people accepted on this scheme are in, or about to enter, education, employment or training.

“Also, they will have demonstrated the ability to save for their own deposit over an agreed period of time, maintain the conditions of their tenancy, respect their neighbours, and work with ourselves to make their tenancy a lasting success.”

Each year, charities provide over 30,000 homeless young people with the accommodation and support they need to fulfil their potential.

Private landlords’ mortgage and insurance conditions can prohibit people on benefits from accessing tenancies, and an estimated 103,000 young people in the UK are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

If you are a landlord interested in helping young people who have faced homelessness by getting involved in the Rent Deposit Scheme, please get in touch with Sarah Johnson at sarah.johnson@amberweb.org