A charity has revealed they will not be renewing their contract for one of Enniskillen’s supported accommodations.

A spokesperson from Action for Children confirmed the news that the charity will not seek extension to their contract for Rossorry Grove, saying: “Action for Children can confirm that reluctantly it will not be seeking an extension to the contract for the Rossorry Grove supported accommodation service in Enniskillen after March 31, 2023.

“The charity has been providing the service with joint commissioners, the Western Health and Social Trust, and Supporting People since September, 2015, and we’re incredibly proud of the difference we’ve been able to make to the lives of young people facing homelessness in the region.”

‘Ongoing challenges’

Detailing the reasons behind the decision not to extend the contract, the spokesperson continued: “We want to provide high-quality housing for young people with the greatest need, but the ongoing challenges of trying to recruit staff in the sector, combined with short-term contracting and severe budgetary pressures, has made this increasingly difficult.

“We are not alone in facing these challenges, and the ongoing Independent Review of Children’s Social Care has confirmed this is a sector-wide issue.

“The health and well-being of affected young people and staff is our priority. We are working closely with the Western Health and Social Care Trust and Supporting People and are meeting later this month to discuss the way forward.”

Concluding, the spokesperson signposted other services, saying: “We continue to provide high-quality support to young people at risk of homelessness in the region through our Sperrin and Lakeland Floating Support service, and to families and children through our Early Intervention Family Support Service, and Family Support.”

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust said: “We are fully aware of the issues highlighted and are linking with the relevant stakeholders with the aim of addressing the position.”

Others who spoke out on the issue include Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan.

Speaking after meeting with the residents, Ms. Dolan said: “Rossorry Grove Supported Accommodation is a purpose-built 13 apartment supported accommodation service for young people with a high level of need who were homeless or at risk of becoming so.

“The service works with young people aged 16 to 24 years, many of whom have been in care, and is commissioned by the Western Health and Social Care Trust and Supporting People.

However, both organisations have failed to agree a funding package [beyond] March 2023.”

Detailing the experience of residents, she continued: “As one of the residents told me, if they didn’t have the support of Rossorry, they wouldn’t have anywhere else to turn to.

‘Abhorrent’

“I find it abhorrent that we could lose a facility of this quality as a result of not having an [Northern Ireland] Executive in place to secure a three-year budget.

“While I know their budgets are stretched, hence the need for a three-year budget, I have contacted both the Western Health and Social Care Trust and Supporting People to act quickly and together to protect this life-saving service.”