Young People and Children First (YPACF) is small charity based in Newbury, Berkshire, founded by two dedicated foster carers.

The charity, previously known as Children First West Berkshire, exists to support care leavers and young homeless people (16-25), including care leavers, in West Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

They are much needed. Around 26% of care leavers go on to experience homelessness. Most of their residents have experienced some kind of trauma, and over half have some kind of diagnosed health issue.

They run two homes in West Berkshire where young residents are offered personalised support in a family environment, to help them develop life skills such budgeting, to enjoy recreational activities with other residents, and to access education, training or work.

They have a phenomenal success rate, with 57% of their residents in full time work and 40% in full time education.

Like most small charities, they and their residents have been hit hard by the COVID crisis, especially over the already tough Christmas period. Ikea, based in Calcot, Reading, had offered support, and the charity took them up on the offer, not anticipating just how generous Ikea was being. Trolley after trolley full of essential items, including a fridge freezer, towels, rugs, curtains and even a dishwasher, were donated. Ten trolley loads, to be precise.

Which is where easyStorage stepped up to help.

Oliver Miles and his team at easyStorage Reading brought their easyVan, into service to help take the fabulous new household items to the YPACF homes in Thatcham, Rebecca House and Cornerstone.

Don't miss the article from Newbury Today newspaper here.

YPAFC are currently looking to open a third property in the West Berkshire area. If readers would like to offer help and support, this is their website: https://youngpeopleandchildrenfirst.org.uk/

And for anyone looking for fabulous self-storage in the Reading/Newbury area can get a no obligation quote, and even book online storage here.

easyStorage is a little different to other self-storage facilities in that they collect from customers and return goods when required, at around half the price of traditional self storage. The Reading team are a friendly bunch, and will always be happy to talk you through what you need and when.

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