Supported lodgings
The supported lodgings scheme is designed to provide a stepping-stone for young people aged 16-25, on their route to independence.
A supported lodgings host offers a safe, supportive and friendly home environment for young people at risk of becoming homeless or leaving care. This can be anything from just a few days to longer stays that last for up to two years.
Through supported lodgings young people can gain advice and support from a caring adult. This allows them to move confidently into independent living as and when they feel prepared.
The aim is to provide them with a comfortable room within a safe environment where they can develop the everyday life skills that they may not have previously experienced in order to become independent.
If you have a spare room, and want to help a vulnerable young person, supported lodgings could be right for you. You will be paid rent for the room you provide, as well as for the support you give.
Email our Supported Lodgings Team for information.
Who supported lodgings is for
Some young people need support before they can live independently. This may be because they are:
- unable to live with their family
- transitioning from foster care or residential care
- facing emergency situations such as homelessness
Some of these young people may also have learning disabilities or mental health difficulties.
Who can provide supported lodgings
If you have a spare room in your home, and want to help a vulnerable young person, you can apply to provide supported lodgings. You can be:
- working, retired or unemployed
- single or in a relationship
- married or unmarried
- any sexual orientation
You must be over 21 years, but there is no upper age limit, as long as you are fit and healthy. Unlike fostering, supported lodgings is a non-regulated type of accommodation. However, you will require a short assessment which would include a DBS check.
What a supported lodgings host provides
You must provide the young person with their own bedroom, access to a bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities and a key to your home. Your role would be to encourage the young person and help them learn to be independent. Each young person is different. Some will need emotional and practical support with things like:
- learning to cook, clean and work a washing machine
- budgeting their money
- finding a job, or an education and training path
- improving their emotional wellbeing
- developing practical, social and emotional skills needed for independence
social skills to reduce their vulnerability and loneliness
As a supported lodgings provider, you will
- be able to relate to young people and talk openly with them
- be supportive, show interest and concern for their welfare
- be committed to treating young people with respect, care and sensitivity
- be patient, compassionate, understanding and have a good sense of humour
What we offer you
- a weekly allowance of £252 for the use of the room, and for the support you provide
- access to professional training and development
- ongoing support and supervision throughout the placement
- opportunity to attend support groups to meet with other hosts
- the satisfaction of having helped a young person develop the skills they need to live independently
Approval process
To assess suitability for you to become a Supported Lodgings host, you will go through an approval process.
View the steps in the approval process
Young people's guide
The supported lodgings young people's guide outlines all of the information a young person entering supported lodgings will need including what is expected of hosts and the young person as well as useful information contacts.
Find out more
To find out more contact our Supported Lodgings team, email [email protected] or call 0191 433 8333.
You don't need to make any commitment to progressing further. We provide you with all the information and you will be able to ask any questions to decide if the scheme is right for you.