Blackburn church could become ‘half-way house- for kids leaving care

A former Blackburn church could become a half-way house for children leaving local authority care.

Nelson-based Identity Care Housing wants to convert the eight-bedroomed property known as The Vicarage in Bentham Road, Mill Hill, into a home for semi-supported living for up to four care leavers aged 16 to 25.

The house was originally the Bentham Road Methodist Church.

The young people would be helped and supervised by a maximum of four non-resident carers on a rota basis with one sleeping overnight.

The firm has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for a certificate of lawful use for the conversion of the property which was for sale in July 2022 for £500,000.

Supporting documents say: “The existing site comprises a two-storey detached family home with hardstanding parking area to the front, providing several parking spaces.

“The Vicarage, located on Bentham Road in Mill Hill, Blackburn, comprises two storeys and features external walls constructed of red brick. The property includes both front and rear gardens.

“The application site is situated in a predominantly residential area of Mill Hill, Blackburn.

“No material changes are to be made to the dwelling-house which needs no adaption to facilitate the proposed use. The existing building is currently in good decorative and structural order.

“The original house features five bedrooms and three bathrooms on the first floor, with general living accommodation and a further three bedrooms on the ground floor.

“Each resident will have their own bedroom and share the communal kitchen and dining area on the ground floor and the carer will share and participate in the domestic and living activities with the residents.

“The ground floor bedrooms will serve as an office and sleeping room for a staff member who is onsite 24 hours per day on rota basis.

“Care leavers, young people who have spent time in the care system, face significant challenges transitioning to adulthood.

“They often lack the stable family environment and life skills necessary for independent living. This can lead to homelessness, unemployment, and mental health issues.

“In England, semi-supported accommodation offers young people between 16 and 25 a stepping stone towards independence.

“The applicant does not provide personal care, 24 hour one to one support or clinical support.

“This semi-supported accommodation will offer a stable environment to learn and grow and is suitable for people who aren’t quite ready to live completely independently but may need some guidance.

“The residents will gain valuable life skills and build confidence before moving on into their own place.

“The applicant will help equip the residents with life skills such as budgeting, managing a tenancy, and navigating daily life.

“This increases their chances of securing employment, pursuing education, and achieving greater social mobility.”