THE Black Country YMCA is crying out for hosts as the number of vulnerable teenagers needing shelter has rocketed in the last few months.

Youngsters seeking help from the Open Door Project are currently being turned away as there are not enough hosts to provide them with a safe place to stay.

So far this year, the scheme has had 38 young people referred to the supported lodgings project, compared to 12 in the same period in 2015.

Kerry Davies, from Sedgley, who has been a host for two years, is encouraging people with a spare room to give it a go as she has "loved every minute".

She said: “I was a bit nervous at first about becoming a host as I have no children of my own and wasn’t sure how well I’d relate to them.

"But I love knowing that I am making a difference and would urge anyone who has a spare room and a heart for young people to become a host.

"It’s a great way to really make a difference."

Steve Clay, CEO of YMCA Black Country Group said “Young people on our supported lodgings project have to agree to engage in education or employment and we’ve had many success stories with some young people going on to university.”

Hosts receive more than £100 per week for providing accommodation and full training and support is provided by the YMCA.

Anyone who wants to find out more should email rachael.taylor@ymcabc.org.uk or call 0121 5241974.