supported lodgings

what is supported lodgings?

There are a variety  of accommodation options available for a young person leaving care. Some may return home or live with friends or on their own but others move to supported accommodation.

Supported lodgings carers are approved individuals/families who provide a stepping stone for young people who are Looked After in Local Authority Care, aged 16 or 17, a  care leaver, aged 16-21 and homeless  young people, aged 16 or 17

Supported Lodgings Carers are a bit like landlords/landladies offering a room in their home, providing  breakfast and an evening meal, and work with the young person to help them develop skills like, cooking and budgeting.

what you need to provide

• The young person will need his or her own room with a bed and storage for clothing and other possessions.
• They will need access to kitchen and bathroom, and the living room, though these can be shared with other members of the household.
• The young person should feel  “at home”  and should be able to invite friends/family at reasonable times and by agreement with you.
• You will need to  provide the young person with his or her own front door key.
• Willingness to encourage the young person’s independence.

how long will a young person stay?

This can vary but generally young people stay anywhere from six months to two years. When a young person moves on you might want to take a break, or you may want to support another young person immediately.

the type of support young people need

The type of support a young person needs will vary.  Keep in mind that the long-term aim is support the young person’s personal development and prepare them for independent living working with  the young person’s social worker or personal advisor.

Typical support needs include

• Advice with budgeting and benefits
• Advice and assistance with food shopping and cooking
• Instruction in the safe use of household appliances
• Assistance with arranging and keeping appointments
• Assistance with maintaining attendance at training, college or work
• Support in maintaining and building relationships with family/friends/neighbours
• Support in managing visitors
• Assistance with maintaining the security of the house
• Encouragement to comply with “house rules”
• Chatting and providing a “listening ear”
• Participation in occasional review meetings

Support does not need to be formally structured or timetabled, but it it’s important that the young person knows that support is there when it’s needed. This is likely to be highest  in the early weeks, when the young person and carer are getting to know each other.