The Mayor of Dudley has helped launch a local campaign to tackle homelessness amongst teenagers.

Mayor Councillor Dave Tyler invited representatives from the YMCA’s Open Door project to the parlour yesterday to launch the '25 in 25' campaign. He has chosen the YMCA’s Open Door programme as one of his official charities for the year.

Open Door provides accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds with families along with valuable support. It often means the young people can continue with their education with a roof over their heads.

The 25 in 25 campaign aims to recruit 25 new support families in the lead up to Christmas. Rachael Taylor, supported lodgings manager at YMCA Open Door, said:

“The project has been running since 2009 and, in that time, our hosts have helped hundreds of young people to move on to independence.

"We currently have 80 hosts providing accommodation across the Black Country but urgently need more to accommodate all the young people who are now being referred to us. Our hosts are just ordinary people who do an extraordinary thing.”

Councillor Dave Tyler, Mayor of Dudley, added:

“I am delighted to be able to raise money for Open Door during my Mayoral year. It is such an important cause helping to provide a basic human need for the people who need it most.

“Through the 25 in 25 campaign I’m sure other people will see how important it is to have a roof over your head and help support vulnerable young people.”

There are currently 16 host families providing a home for young people across Dudley borough. More information on Open Door can be found here