HOMELESS shelter Poole Foyer has launched a new service to house young families who are being placed into bed and breakfast accommodation by the local authority.

The Hill Street centre, run by social housing provider Stonewater, will offer the temporary service to young families living in unsuitable emergency accommodation.

It has been launched, Stonewater says, as Borough of Poole (BOP) faces a shortage of affordable rental housing.

"The shortage of low cost rental housing in the area means that many young families are being placed in unsuitable emergency accommodation, which can have a devastating impact on individual lives," said Denise Burtenshaw-Phillips, Stonewater's supported housing manager.

"The Young Families Service aims to provide these vulnerable families with a safe, supportive and enabling environment to help them find an affordable home that meets their needs."

Stonewater is piloting the scheme, but it is being funded by BOP.

The service will provide accommodation for up to seven young families for a maximum of 12 weeks.

Families will be supported by a specialist Foyer team who will work with them with the aim of providing emotional and practical support, and assistance in finding suitable permanent housing in the community.

Mrs Burtenshaw-Phillips said: "We are proud to be working together with BOP on this scheme, which will enable us to provide more diverse support to vulnerable people in our community."

Meanwhile, BOP cabinet member for housing Cllr Karen Rampton said: "We are committed to reducing the use of bed and breakfast and thanks to the successful partnership with Stonewater we are now able to provide essential support to families who have lost accommodation through no fault of their own.

"I would encourage any local young families who are worried about losing their home to get in touch with the council as soon as possible."

Poole Foyer provides temporary accommodation, training and support for a wide range of vulnerable young people aged between 16 and 25 in the local area with the aim of eventually helping them to live independently.