Supported Lodgings gives you the chance to live with a supportive host in a safe and welcoming home. You’ll have your own space, help with life skills, and someone to guide you as you take your next steps. If you're aged 16–21 and need somewhere stable to live, Supported Lodgings could be your route to independence.
Start a StepChat NowSupported Lodgings is accommodation where you live in the home of a carefully matched host. It’s not a care home or a hostel – you’ll have your own bedroom in a calm, family-style environment.
This kind of support can help you build confidence, develop life skills, and prepare for living on your own. Your host is there to support you, not to parent you.
Hosts are ordinary people who open up their homes to offer support. They could be individuals, couples or families from all sorts of backgrounds. All Step by Step hosts are trained, supported, and carefully matched with young people to make sure the placement is safe and positive for everyone.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had not had the support, understanding, encouragement and the belief of my hosts."
- Young Person in Supported Lodgings
Supported Lodgings might be right for you if:
Step by Step works with young people from all backgrounds, including separated children (sometimes called unaccompanied asylum-seeking children) and care leavers. We understand everyone’s story is different – and we’re here to help you find your path forward.
Supported Lodgings is designed to be a stepping stone. We’ll support you to get ready for independence and build the confidence to live on your own.
When you're ready, we can help you move into your own flat, a shared house, or other supported accommodation, depending on what's available and right for you. You won’t be left on your own – we’ll help you plan and prepare for what’s next.
If you have a Social Worker or Personal Adviser, speak to them about being referred to Step by Step. They can help decide if Supported Lodgings is right for you.
If you’re not sure who to talk to, or just want to find out more, you can start a conversation through StepChat. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you understand what to do next.
Supported Lodgings placements are available across:
Step by Step has strong relationships with local councils and partners in these areas. Availability can change, so it’s best to check what’s open near you with your local authority.
Not quite. Foster care is usually for younger children and involves more oversight from carers and professionals. Hostels are usually for adults and often don’t offer personalised support. Step by Step’s Foyers (Supported Accommodation) offer 24/7 staff and group living. Supported Lodgings is more like living in someone’s home as a lodger, with one-to-one support. It’s a middle ground that gives you more independence but with the guidance and care you need.
Placements are flexible. You might stay for a few months or longer depending on your needs. We work with you to build a plan and help you move on safely when you’re ready.
All placements have to be agreed by you, the host, and Step by Step. While you can’t pick a specific household or postcode, we make sure it’s a mutual match where everyone feels comfortable. We also factor in your school, college, work, and local connections when deciding what area might work best. The right host for you might not be exactly where you expect, but we’ll always aim for the best fit.
You’ll get practical support with cooking, budgeting, finding work or education, and building confidence. You’ll also get emotional support from your host and Step by Step to help you manage challenges and reach your goals.
You won’t be expected to pay if you’re not earning. If you’re receiving benefits or working, you might contribute a small amount. We’ll explain everything clearly and make sure you understand your options.
We stay in regular contact to make sure everything’s going well. If there are issues, we’ll help sort them out or look at other options if needed.
Yes. You can still spend time with the people who matter to you, though this will usually be outside the home. Whether friends can visit your placement depends on your host and what’s been agreed. We’ll help you set boundaries that work for everyone.
You can chat to us now using StepChat. Whether you need help right away or just have a few questions, we’re here to listen.
young people lived in our Supported Lodgings last year
of young people in Supported Lodgings progressed towards their goals
the average age of the young people that Step by Step supports
