Supported lodgings is accommodation provided in the homes of approved individuals or families known as ‘Hosts’ – who offer a safe and secure home for care experienced young people and young refugees. These young people are aged between 16 and 21 years; they have been separated from their families and have experienced some degree of trauma.
The aim of supported lodgings is to provide these young people with a safe and suitable living environment for up to two years, which will offer appropriate support to enable them to develop the practical, emotional, and relationship skills needed for a successful transition to independence and adulthood.
Role of the Host
Hosts should be able to offer the young person a bedroom of their own, provide emotional support and a chance to learn life skills. It is expected that the young person will engage in education or training, so hosts can still work, as long as they have some flexibility to support the young person with appointments etc.
It is important that hosts:
- Like young people and enjoy their company; and are warm, caring and patient
- Have an understanding of the issues that young people face on a daily basis
- Are willing to teach the young person independent skills such as cooking, cleaning, basic DIY, managing money, household bills and developing community support networks
- Have a keen desire to make a difference in a young person’s life in preparing them to live independently
- Do not have a police record for violent or sexual offences
- Are available to attend all relevant training
What support do Hosts receive?
Supported lodgings hosts will receive ongoing training to develop their understanding of meeting the needs of Looked after young people/ young refugees.
Supported lodgings staff will provide responsive and flexible support to the hosts; including regular visiting and telephone contact.
The young person in placement will also receive regular and timely visits from their social worker / personal adviser and others from the multi-professional wraparound support network involved with the young person.
Hosts will receive a weekly payment to contribute towards rent, food and utilities.
Hosts can support young people by:
- Building a positive relationship with a young person and providing them with a safe and secure living environment.
- Offering practical support and help a young person develop domestic and life skills in preparing them to live independently and achieve their potential.
- Being responsive, flexible and sensitive in supporting a young person and provide emotional support through listening and talking with a young person.
- Supporting the young person to access other services such as education, training and employment and to establish social networks within the local community.
- Respecting the young person as unique, worthwhile and capable of taking control of decisions and actions in respect of their own lives.
- Hosts must keep the young person’s social worker and support worker updated about the young person’s progress and any concerns that may arise.
- Hosts are required to attend training and meetings about the young person and to maintain the required standards of Health & Safety within their property.
- Hosts must attend training on Child Protection and Adult Safeguarding procedures, and ensure they put these procedures into practice.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a supported lodgings host please Call 0800 0720 137 or complete our online enquiry form