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 an adults help when trying to become more independent.
The supported lodgings scheme brings care leavers together with hosts. A host is someone who has a room in their home to rent and can offer advice to help build a young person’s confidence.
To be a host you must be aged 21 or over. It doesn’t matter if you work, have qualifications or experience, or if you own or rent a home. Your age, marital status, sexuality or cultural background also doesn’t affect an application.
You will need to be able to provide:
The young person who stays with you often won’t have any family to rely on. You are likely to be providing encouragement and emotional support. During a stay a young person will need to demonstrate a commitment to find employment, or further education, and agree to keep to your house rules.
You will be provided a support co-ordinator and be provided:
The young person will also be supported by a personal adviser.