Spinnaker Tower Abseil, Portsmouth
11 July 2026
Opening your home to a young person as a Supported Lodgings host is a generous and meaningful step. It is completely natural to ask an important question before you begin:
The answer is yes.
At Step by Step, the Supported Lodgings matching process is designed to make sure both the host and the young person feel comfortable, safe and supported. Matching is never rushed and you are always involved in the decision.
If you are considering becoming a Supported Lodgings host, here is how the process works and how your voice remains central throughout.
Supported Lodgings is not about placing a young person into a home without discussion. It is a carefully considered matching process that focuses on creating the right environment for everyone involved.
Our team works closely with hosts and young people to understand:
The aim is simple: we want the placement to feel natural and positive for both of you. Just like in any household, it is important for people to feel comfortable with each other from the beginning.
One of the most important parts of the process is that hosts are always consulted before a placement takes place. Before a young person moves in, you will receive information about them so you can make an informed decision.
You will have the opportunity to:
If a placement does not feel right, you can say so. The aim is always to find the right match, not simply the quickest one.
This approach helps create placements that are stable, supportive and positive for everyone involved.
Every young person we support is unique, and so is every host household. That is why matching is done carefully and thoughtfully.
Here are some of the key things we consider.
Some hosts enjoy lively households. Others prefer a quieter environment. Understanding personalities and daily routines helps ensure the placement works well for everyone.
We consider where the young person studies, works or attends training, and how easily they can travel from your home.
Young people may need different levels of guidance as they build independence. Our team ensures hosts feel comfortable and supported with the young person’s needs.
We also consider who else lives in your home, including family members, pets and the overall household environment.
By looking at the whole picture, we can create matches that feel natural rather than forced.
You will have the opportunity to meet the young person before any placement begins. This meeting is informal and relaxed. It gives both of you the chance to:
These introductions help both sides feel much more confident about the placement.
Becoming a Supported Lodgings host does not mean you are expected to manage everything alone. Our team remains involved throughout the placement, offering guidance and support whenever you need it.
This includes:
We work alongside you to help the young person build the life skills and confidence they need for independent living. Hosts often tell us that this support is one of the reasons they feel confident welcoming a young person into their home.
Interested in Becoming a Supported Lodgings Host?
If you are exploring the idea of hosting, and would like more information, you can:
We are proud to announce the opening of our new move-on property in Bedhampton. This home will support up to four young people aged 18 and over, many of whom might otherwise be left waiting on housing lists, homeless, or relying on a friend’s sofa.
The Bedhampton property is the third Step by Step move-on home – a unique accommodation model for young people ready to move on with their lives but with no viable housing options available to them.
