A STOURBRIDGE student who faced becoming homeless has successfully been accepted onto a course at university.

Earlier this year, Sophie Green was studying for her A-levels at King Edward VI College when she found herself facing homelessness.

With a roof over her head at question, she was referred to YMCA’s Black Country Open Door Project where a local volunteer host was able to offer her a new place to stay.

Sophie was matched with Nicki, a former social worker living in Stourbridge, where she was able to live as part of a family while continuing her studies at the town centre school.

When A-level results were recently announced, Sophie received the grades she needed and – despite the upheaval in her life – has been accepted at Portsmouth University to study Psychology.

Sophie said: “Without the support of the project and my host Nicki, I would not have been able to go to university.”

The charity’s open door project started six years ago in Sandwell and has provided many success stories.

But to keep providing housing to young people in need, more hosts are required to come forward.

Rachael Taylor, host co-ordinator, said: “Hosts don’t have to have any professional qualifications, just life experience and a desire to help a young person get on in life.

“We need short term emergency and longer term supported lodgings hosts in all areas of the Black Country. Hosts receive training and a full support package from the YMCA.”

A host preparation course is being held later this month at the YMCA in Carters Green, West Bromwich. The course takes place on Saturday September 19 and Saturday September 26 from 9.30am until 1.30pm on both days.

For more information contact Rachael Taylor on 0121 524 1974 or email Rachael.taylor@ymcabc.org.uk