A CHILDREN’s social care firm is bidding to convert a Southend residential home into a home for four young people trying to build new lives.

Compass Social Care has submitted plans to Southend Council to convert a home in Archer Close, Southend.

The firm already runs three four-bed homes in the city for children and young adults with emotional, behavioural and developmental needs.

“Many of these young people desperately need a small helping hand to get themselves set up and moving forward with their lives,” councillor Peter Wexham said.

“As long as the neighbours are okay with the plans, then they can be very beneficial to helping our young people become responsible adults and ready to fully participate in society.”

He added: “Sometimes young people need to be given a chance to turn their lives around, and places like these can be the perfect staging grounds for that.”

Compass Social Care’s service users –  which can often include asylum seekers, refugees, expectant mothers, young parents, or young people leaving care – are provided with support workers and access to 24-hour staff support in a semi-independent living situation for 16 – 25-year-olds.

The firm encourages the young people in its care to access training, education, learn new skills and be involved in building their futures, with the goal of them moving towards independent living.

Compass Social Care already runs homes in Westborough Road, Chaingate Avenue, and Osbourne Road.

In planning documents submitted to the council, a spokesman for the company said: “Compass Social Care is dedicated to providing care and support to children and young adults with emotional, behavioural and developmental needs.

“Young people are welcomed, accepted for who they are and given the opportunity to express themselves and reach their full potential. Our values are based around giving young people safe, stable and the best possible experience to help them transition on into adulthood.

“We have a great team of Support Workers who are skilled and experienced to value, guide and encourage each young person in our care to grow as an individual.”