Supported lodgings
Supported lodgings provide young people aged 16 to 24 with a secure and stable home as they prepare for independent adulthood. It’s not the same as fostering - the young person is a lodger in your home and not someone you care for as a parent. You can work full-time while offering vital support to a young person at a key moment in their life.
Who supported lodgings are for
Young people who need supported lodgings are often:
- currently looked after by children’s services
- leaving care and starting to live independently
- experiencing a temporary breakdown in their family situation
They may need a safe space to stay while we work with their family, or a longer-term arrangement to help them build life skills and confidence.
What a supported lodgings host does
As a host, your role is to:
- offer a furnished bedroom in your home
- provide emotional support and practical guidance
- help the young person build skills such as cooking, budgeting and job-hunting
- be a reliable adult who listens and encourages
You won’t have legal responsibility for the young person. They’ll have their own social worker (if under 18) or personal advisor (if over 18). Your role is to advise, assist and befriend.
Who can become a host
You can be:
- single, married or in a relationship
- a parent or not
- working, studying or retired
We’re looking for people who:
- enjoy the company of young people
- understand the challenges some young people face
- are patient, flexible and willing to learn
- can work well with professionals
- are open to reflecting on their strengths and areas for development
We’ll assess all applicants to ensure they’re suitable for the role and can offer a supportive home environment.
Accommodation requirements
You must be able to provide:
- a furnished bedroom for the young person
- access to bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities
- a home in a location with reasonable access to public transport and local services
Host allowances
| Professional fee | Accommodation cost (30% of child's element) | Household cost (18% of child's element) | Food & Housekeeping (21% of child's element) | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £149.23 | £105.03 | £63.02 | £73.52 | £390.80 |
Find out more
Contact us to find out more about becoming a supported lodgings provider.