Mothers who met through their children and realised they share the same dream are giving young women a better chance at life.

Natasha Boxill and Sherica Spence joined forces in January using Mrs Boxill’s expertise from her counselling background and Ms Spence’s mentoring experience, to set up Skye Alexandra House,which opened last week.

The building in South Norwood is a semi-independent home for 16 to 18-year-old girls where up to four teenagers can live at any one time.

Mrs Boxill, 32, said the home offers them all therapeutic, practical and physical support to improve their lives.

The mother-of-two said: “Having been through the care system myself and being pregnant when I was 17, I wanted to provide the girls with the confidence that they can go out and say just because they have not had the ideal childhood, we can turn that around.

“Each child will get to where they need to in order to become a fully functioning person.”

Residents will get a mentor and learn about budgeting, personal hygiene, register with a doctor and a dentist and get help securing work placements and apprenticeships.

All referrals to the house will be made through social services.

The house has been funded privately thanks to donations and fundraisers including a zumbathon.

Anyone who wants to donate or get more information can email skyealexandrahouse@gmail.com or visit skyealexandrahouse.com