Could you be a Supported Lodgings host?
If you’ve got a spare room to rent in your home and you enjoy
being with young people, then becoming a Supported Lodgings host is
a great way to earn an additional income. It’s not as hands-on as
fostering, so suits people who may be working full- or
part-time.
What is Supported Lodgings?
Most young people leaving foster care or residential homes at 16
just aren’t ready to live on their own. They often need help with
basic living skills, such as cooking and budgeting, and some may
prefer to have a responsible adult around as they get to grips with
independence.
The Supported Lodgings scheme brings care leavers together with
hosts - people who can rent a room in their home, offer advice and
build a young person’s confidence.
As a host you’re not offering a permanent home, but a stepping
stone – somewhere for a young person to stay until they’re ready to
live on their own. This could be anything from two months to three
years, depending on their progress.
What’s involved in being a Supported Lodgings
host?
Your role is to provide a safe home for a care leaver.
You’ll be on hand to support them as specified in a
regularly-reviewed ‘Pathway Plan’, while also encouraging their
independence. Together with your lodger you’ll agree house rules
that will form part of a license agreement.
You’ll also be required to work as a team and develop your
skills in caring for young people by attending induction training,
basic training (six sessions in your first year as a host) and
optional specialist training.
In return you’ll receive a generous support package, including the
guidance of a dedicated co-ordinator.
You’ll provide the young person with:
- a comfortable room of their own
- a key to the house
- use of communal rooms and facilities, such as laundry
- provision of one meal a day (as minimum)
- emotional support if requested
And offer advice on skills, such as...
- cooking and food preparation
- developing healthy domestic routines
- shopping on a budget
- managing laundry
- paying bills and saving money
- applying for jobs and completing forms
What are the benefits of being a Supported Lodgings
host?
In return for your support and commitment, we offer a
comprehensive support, training and financial package.
- a weekly allowance to cover rent, utilities and your
support*
- a weekly contribution from the young person towards shopping
bills
- Support from your own co-ordinator
- Free basic and specialist training
- Free membership of the Fostering Network, including
comprehensive insurance
- All host households get free access to North Somerset sport and
leisure facilities all year round (including swimming, gym, court
games and more!)
- The young person is supported by their own personal adviser –
so it’s not all up to you!
*The amount you receive will depend on your skills and
experience as a host and the young person’s support needs (high,
moderate or low). For more information on current rates, call 01275
884 281
Who are the young people?
Young people currently looking for Supported Lodgings are care
leavers aged 16-18. Most have been living with foster carers or in
residential homes, but it’s time for them to move on. The
majority do not have close family whom they can depend on at this
critical time.
Working with their ‘Leaving care personal adviser’, they have
decided that they’re not ready to live independently, and could
benefit from living with a host who can offer tailored support and
guidance. Once they’ve gained the skills and confidence they need,
they’ll be able to move on.
In order to live with a host, they must demonstrate their
commitment to finding employment or further education, and mutually
agree house rules.
Who can become a Supported Lodgings host?
We’re looking for people who are committed to helping young
people.
We require that you have a spare room to rent in your home and
that you’re over 21.
Provided you are over 21, your age, marital status, sexuality
and cultural background will not affect your application.
You can be working or not working, and you don’t need to own
your own home.
You don’t need qualifications or experience to become a
Supported Lodgings host, but the role will suit some people more
than others.
As a host, you’ll be helping young people at a critical time in
their lives and making a valuable contribution to
society.
You can find out more about becoming a host by talking to a
member of our team on 01275 884 281.
