“Originally from Ballyclare but now living in Belfast I was approved as a supported lodgings/STAY host in 2024. I’ve always wanted to support with fostering, specifically the idea of being able to provide a safe home environment to someone who needs it, but I always felt work as a full time registered nurse wouldn’t provide me with the time required. This is where the supported lodgings programme has been perfect for me and I’ve been living with a young adult for the last year so far.
Being a supported lodgings host has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. I’ve been able to open up my home and share my life all the while maintaining my own career and working without a problem. What’s helped this is the consistent support received from the supported lodgings team who have always been accessible and approachable. I’ve never felt on my own whether during the assessment process, the first placement or in monthly or annual reviews. I’ve been really well supported and that’s been invaluable.
I’m a passionate cook in my spare time, so one of the best things over the last year has been being able to teach a young adult to cook their own meals from scratch, moving away from ready meals and freezer to oven food prep! Perhaps one of the best perks is now being cooked a meal from scratch that’s the standard of a restaurant and I haven’t had to do anything for it! Alongside cooking, a lot of the support that I’ve been offering is around developing good routines and practices around managing work and studies, social life, budgeting, cleaning and those basic skills that are needed for day to day adult life.
I’ve been fortunate to have seen first hand the impact that life shared together can have on helping a younger person transition into adulthood – whether that’s how to cook an authentic bolognese, bake a cake, or hang out your washing properly so they air quickly and smell fresh! It’s often the little things that make a difference, and what a privilege to get to share those skills and have a few laughs along the way.
I would love to see more people supporting the supported lodgings programme, it’s feasible to do it alongside your own life and full time career and the rewards far outweigh the challenges.”