A SUPPORTED accommodation project for young people leaving care in Newport has been praised by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

The Move-in project for vulnerable young people helps young people who “have typically led very difficult lives” move on to independent living.

Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, visited Solas Cymru’s project this week where he was shown around by one of the residents.

Often they have spent their childhood and adolescence in local authority care, experiencing many changes of home environment, a spokeswoman for the organisation said.

There are facilities for eight young people over the age of 16 years, with a gym, music studio, bike shop and art workshops available.

One of the residents said: “It was a great feeling being confident enough to show Keith around. I think that shows I’ve come a long way and everyone was proud of me for taking part. I’ve been here two years now and am looking forward to moving on soon.”

Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales said: “It highlighted for me that with the right support, all young people leaving care could have a successful move into independent living.”

Rhian Stone, Director of Solas said: “Under-investment of this vulnerable client group continues to be a problem. If we don’t provide the right support for vulnerable young people now, we are potentially looking at a much bigger problem in the future.”