Do you want to make a difference to the life of a young person leaving care?

Supported Lodgings is an accommodation scheme based within the fostering service for young people aged between 16 years and 21 years old who are ready to move on from Residential or Foster Care.

Supported Lodgings arrangements are seen as a “stepping stone” enabling these young people to take their next step to independence and develop their emotional and practical skills. It provides them with the support and guidance needed, within a home environment, to help them achieve this.

The role of a supported Lodgings provider is suitable for people who want to help a young person with this transition to independence but still being able to continue to maintain their own work commitments and career alongside providing this service.

Could you provide Supported Lodgings?

There is no set criteria to being a host, and we are looking for people from a range of backgrounds with a range of experiences.

You can:

• Be of any ethnicity or religion
• Be single or married
• Have a disability
• Own or rent your home
• Be a parent with your own children
• At home or in full-time employment

You will need to have:

• A spare room and be willing to share your home with a young person.
• A warm and friendly manner.
• Patience and understanding of the varying needs of young people.
• A sense of humour. This always helps!

Your role will include:

• Providing a room in your home and meals (and/or food for the young person to cook themselves when able).
• Creating a safe and supportive environment where the young person can develop their confidence and life skills to eventually enable them to live independently.
• Helping the young person to learn the practical skills including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, completing laundry, making and attending appointments.
• Providing support and encouragement and showing an interest in their education, training and employment goals.
• Promoting positive relationships and supporting the young person in developing their own identity and goals for their future.
• Attending any relevant meetings relating to the young person and their support plan.
• Being sensitive to the needs of the young person who may have experienced some difficult and challenging times in their life.
• Being a good role model.

All of our Supported Lodgings providers receive a competitive weekly allowance and are supported from day one with a dedicated worker providing them with ongoing guidance. Young people living in Supported Lodgings receive their own income and have a personal advisor providing them with further ongoing support and guidance.

Would you like to help a young person take their next step? Call Denise Poskett, Supported Lodgings Officer on 01642 354103 to find out more today.