Supported Lodgings and Fostering Christmas Afternoon Tea, Basingstoke
3 December 2026
Host and Carer Stories
For Leah, the journey to becoming a Supported Lodgings host began with a young man she cared for through social services. When he turned 16, he was no longer able to stay with her. It opened her eyes to a grey area: young people aged 16 to 21 who still need a stable home and someone in their corner, but can fall through the gaps.
“"Treat them as you would your own children"
That experience led Leah to Supported Lodgings, where young people live in a host's home while they build the confidence and skills for independence. Leah, who lives in Fareham, has now been hosting for many years.
Over that time, she has hosted with several different providers. In her experience, Step by Step's matching process is the best she has come across, helping to bring the right young person and host together.
For Leah, one of the most rewarding parts of hosting is building trust with the young people who live with her.
Her advice for anyone thinking about becoming a host is simple: treat the young people you support as you would your own children.
If you have a spare room and want to help a young person find their feet...
Join us in celebrating National Supported Lodgings Week and find out how you can make a difference. We'll be out in the community, sharing content and inviting you to take on our Stacked Against You Challenge.
