Manchester to open two homes for vulnerable children who get stuck in hospital

City council aims to undercut private operators and house children with complex needs rejected by other homesManchester city council is setting up two special children’s homes to house the increasing number of vulnerable young people who end up stuck in hospital because no residential providers will take them.The homes, believed to be the first of their kind, aim to undercut private operators who sometimes demand tens of thousands of pounds each week to look after children with the most complex needs. A Guardian investigation earlier this year found that Knowsley council in Merseyside was charged almost £50,000 a week for the care of one teenager.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.