A Luton charity which helps vulnerable teenagers received a special visitor last week.
The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans, dropped into the Mary Seacole Housing Association to see for himself the vital work the charity does in protecting youngsters.
The charity has six hostels in the town which can take in up to 25 youngsters from the age of 16 with nowhere else to go.
A unit in Marsh Farm can also take in people up to the age of 35.
The youngsters have their own bedroom but have to buy and cook their own food and learn vital life skills to help them survive on their own.
They can stay for as long as they need to, learning such skills as budgeting and managing finances, and literacy and numeracy skills.
Many are able to continue in education or apprenticeships and they are encouraged to find work.
Chief Executive Audrey Lewis said: “We are like surrogate parents to them.
“There’s a whole range of young people who we support. They stay with us an average of 18 months and we build them up.
“We are teaching them skills that they need to live in society.”
Many of the youngsters, known as clients, are there because of family breakdowns, drug or alcohol abuse or because they have been made homeless.
The charity works with Luton Borough Council, social services, the probation service and the youth offending team, alongside other charities, who refer youngsters to them.
They are then assessed to see if the supported package on offer is suitable and they have to sign up to a license agreement which includes rules on behaviour.
Bedrooms are inspected regularly and the youngsters are expected to be in by 11pm every night.
And even after they leave the hostel there is an open door policy for extra support.