Cabinet approves Millersdale project to support local care leavers
St Helens Borough Council's cabinet has approved plans to lease and operate a new semi-independent living facility for young people leaving care. Known as Millersdale, the property in Clock Face will provide six trainer flats for care leavers aged 17 and over, helping them transition into adulthood while staying close to their families, schools, and support networks.
Article date: 17 July 2025
The decision reinforces the council's commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. With support from the Department for Education's Staying Close programme, the council secured £1.4m in funding to deliver the project, with an additional £700,000 investment from Torus 62 Ltd to support refurbishment.
Over the last 12 months St Helens Council has supported the reduction in the number of children and young people going into care. Despite this reduction St Helens has 441 young people accommodated and the council has become reliant on out-of-borough placements, resulting in young people moving far from home.
Welcoming the report, Councillor Nova Charlton, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Millersdale will give our young people the opportunity to prepare for adulthood in their own community. This project offers more than just a place to live — it provides wraparound support and continuity of care that will help our young people thrive.
"We are determined to ensure that every young person leaving our care does so with confidence, aspiration, and the support they need to succeed. Millersdale represents a new chapter — one of belonging, opportunity, and genuine investment in our young people's lives."
The need for the project was highlighted through a review of placement provision, which identified a shortage of local, age-appropriate accommodation for older teenagers.
The new facility, leased from Torus 62 Ltd on a 35-year agreement, will be operated by a skilled care team in partnership with the council's 'Outstanding' Ofsted-rated Care Leavers Team.
Millersdale is expected to welcome its first residents later this year.
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