A PROJECT that gives young people a home and a fresh start in life has been expanded.

Our House, where tenants live in a shared house and gain life skills, has taken on a second property in Witney.

The search for suitable tenants has begun ahead of the house's opening next month and is available to under 35s who need financial help to live in the area and require career support.

Successful candidates share communal facilities and receive support from an independent work coach, including career coaching and mentoring and helping them get back into education.

Read also: Our House project launches in Witney

The scheme, run by West Oxfordshire District Council and Cottsway Housing Association, opened its first house in Eastfield Road, Witney, last year.

Project co-ordinator Sam Stronach said: “We have seen some positive results with our tenants. Two of them are now working and the other is in full-time education.

“We have worked on a broad variety of life-skills that applicants didn’t necessarily have when they moved in including managing a budget, being a good neighbour and confidence building.

"This has been a real learning curve for all involved. We are pleased with the initial outcomes and we hope to develop the project over the next 12 months."

Call 01993 890000 or email sam.stronach@cottsway.co.uk for more details.