Here’s how charity, Bridge For Young People, opened another home for youngsters leaving foster care in Newbury

A rundown office in Newbury has been renovated to house young people leaving foster care.

Wessex House, a Grade-II listed property opposite Newbury’s Waitrose store, has been refurbished and reopened as a “warm, welcoming home to 13 young people”.

It is the newest residence of charity Bridge for Young People, which was started by foster carers Patsy and John Stone 15 years ago, when they witnessed the difficult transitions youngsters faced after leaving foster care.

Heart Radio presenter and supporter of the charity Pandora Christie officially opened the building on Friday (May 16) in front of a large crowd that included Newbury deputy mayor Sarah Slack, Thatcham mayor Petra Pemberton and the mayor of Hungerford, Helen Simpson.

The crowds cheered as Ms Christie cut the ceremonial purple ribbon.

She said: “The heart, love, and soul that has been poured into Wessex House is phenomenal.

“The work being done here by Bridge For Young People is truly life-changing, helping young people achieve the futures they’ve always dreamed of.”

During an emotional opening speech, Tracy Underwood, CEO of Bridge For Young People, expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the charity.

“Thank you to everybody – staff, volunteers, trustees, and most importantly, our young people,” she added.

“Everyone has worked so hard for so long to make Wessex House a home. We couldn’t have done it without your support, and we are so grateful.”

Wessex House features six bedrooms and seven self-contained flatlets, which combine “modern functionality with preserved historic charm”.

This is the fourth home Bridge For Young People has opened since Mr and Mrs Stone, foster carers for over 20 years, first set up the charity, “to help smooth the path from care to independence”.

With the support of Greenham Trust, the couple opened their first home, Cornerstone, providing practical and emotional support.

Mrs Stone worked with the young residents, while Mr Stone managed the behind-the-scenes operations.

A second house was opened in 2018, followed by Hope House in 2021.

Mr and Mrs Stone continue to actively support the charity’s mission, and their contributions are permanently honoured at Wessex House, where one of the new flats bears the name’Stepping Stone’, and another is named ’Cornerstone’ in tribute to them.

The charity said that “Wessex House now stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering young people on their journey to independence and a brighter future.”