The project provides housing and employment opportunities for those young people due to leave care and enlists the help of staff and skilled tradesmen as individual support packages allow for a smoother transition to independent living from social work care.

The pilot project offers training in the housing and construction industries and is funded by the Scottish Executive’s Homelessness Prevention Innovation Fund and led by Glasgow City Council Social Work Services and Milnbank Housing Association.

Mr McNulty welcomed the work of the project, adding: “Working with local authorities and their partners, the Scottish Executive is taking action that is helping people who are at risk of becoming homeless. More and more of those assessed as homeless are being re-housed in permanent, rather than temporary accommodation. But we cannot be complacent and it is crucial that we look for new and innovative solutions.

“That is exactly what is happening at Milnbank Housing Association. They are not only providing young people with accommodation, but also giving them a chance to learn skills that will help them make their way in the world of work. I have little doubt the project – which has been supported by £30,000 from our homelessness innovation fund – is providing these people with a brighter future.”

Steven Purcell, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, who also visited the pilot scheme, said: “I’m determined that no matter what difficulties any young person has faced, no-one will be written off in this city. This project shows, that with the right support, we can offer the prospect of a brighter future, where these young people can live independently, secure training and jobs, and contribute to society.”

Councillor Elaine McDougall, who represents Milnbank as well as being Chair of the Social Work Services Policy & Development Scrutiny Committee, said: “The support of social work and housing staff, along with the skilled tradesmen who have passed on the tricks of their trades has been crucial to the success of this project. We will now take this forward, to ensure that more young care leavers have the opportunity to strike out on their own.”

Allan Benson, the Director of Milnbank Housing Association, said: “We were delighted to develop this initiative. We are keen to support young people from the local area so that they can access good quality housing and training opportunities. These young people have a role to play within the regeneration of the local community.”

It is hoped that the pilot project will now be expanded across the city in an attempt to reduce the number of young care leavers who find themselves homeless.