A Tayside widow is creating a safe haven for troubled teens in a flat used by her late husband before he succumbed to alcoholism.
Jane Watson, 47, from Montrose lost her husband Alex, 50, almost a year ago the day after her daughter’s 22nd birthday.
She is now planning to open up his two-bedroom property in the town as a sanctuary for youngsters in danger of following a similar path.
The housing support service would be an extension of Jane’s tea room Mums of Montrose where people with mental health difficulties are given work experience placements.
“My husband was an alcoholic and I could never afford to feel ashamed he is part of my drive to do this,” Jane said.
“For 16 years I screamed for help and never got it. There was no statutory support.
“People never expect difficult times. We are always led to believe legislation and policy and procedures and if anything happens we will be supported but that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Jane’s tea room operates as a social business where prices are low enough for people from all walks of life to afford to drop in.
Jane is one of a “widows’ club” of three women who regularly meet at the venue, all of whom have their late husbands’ names tattooed on their ring fingers.
“I have always been a people person and I care people worry me,” Jane said.
“Some teachers, doctors or social workers will be great and some will be abysmal. Sometimes people just don’t get that extra bit of guidance they need.”
Jane’s desire to help young people is also influenced by problems her son George, 19, had when growing up, after being diagnosed with dyspraxia.
She said she wants to see children who don’t have stable family backgrounds given better support from an early age and into their teens.
If approved by the Care Inspectorate, she would operate almost as a surrogate mother to children aged 16-18 who would be housed in the supported flat.
An application for the proposal was submitted in October and Jane, who was a Brown Owl with a local Brownies group, is hopeful of receiving the green light in the coming months.
“We would be willing to take in any child, whether they have come from the local authority, from foster care, a secure unit, supported accommodation or anywhere else,” she said.