Devon County Council partners with Barnardo’s to create supported housing for care leavers

Devon County Council (DCC) has approved plans to partner with children’s charity Barnardo’s in an innovative project to develop new supported housing for care leavers with complex needs.
At a recent cabinet meeting, councillors backed recommendations to lease land at Aldens Farm in Alphington, Exeter, and Silverhills in Barnstaple for the construction of two purpose-built housing sites. Each site will offer four self-contained ‘gap homes’ for young people aged 16 and over, along with separate on-site accommodation for a dedicated support worker.
The homes are designed for care leavers who may struggle in traditional residential or shared living environments. By offering tailored support in a more independent setting, the project aims to provide a smoother transition from the care system to adulthood.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said:
“Children leaving care and transitioning into independent living often have difficult histories and residential care or shared living arrangements might not always be suitable or in their best interests.
“Without stable housing and the right support, they can struggle to stay in education, find work, or access training and this can increase the risk of homelessness and serious health issues.
“Gap homes provide a suitable alternative; they are safe and will provide stable accommodation for some of our most vulnerable young people.
“I would like to thank Barnardo’s for their generosity and for providing us with this opportunity and I look forward to working with them in the best interests of our care leavers in the years to come.”
The initiative is supported by a significant £18 million donation to Barnardo’s from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust. Barnardo’s will invest £950,000 in each site, with DCC contributing by leasing the land for 125 years as match funding.
Planning applications for the developments are expected to be submitted in the coming year, with construction targeted for completion by March 2027.
This scheme forms part of Devon County Council’s wider strategy to improve housing provision for care leavers and reduce the risks they face during the critical transition to independence.