Lorraine’s Story, Hosting Young People in Swindon

For Lorraine, becoming a Supported Lodgings host with Step by Step was a natural step. With her own children growing up and moving out, she found herself with space to spare and a desire for company at home. "I thought about foster care," she explains, "but it never felt quite right for me. Then I saw an advert for Supported Lodgings, and I thought, actually, I can do this."

Lorraine, who lives in Swindon, has now been hosting young people for over five years. She works full-time and enjoys spending time in her caravan, often heading off for weekend breaks. Far from being a barrier, her lifestyle has worked well with the independence that Supported Lodgings encourages.

"You're not there to parent them," she says. "You're there to support them as they move towards independence. Sometimes that means helping them with cooking or laundry, but mostly it's just being there, guiding them to make good decisions and stay safe."

One of Lorraine's most memorable placements was a young man from Vietnam who had come to the UK alone as a teenager. "He loved to cook," she smiles. "He wasn’t keen on British food, but he was an incredible cook and really appreciated having the freedom to make meals from his own culture."

The journey wasn’t always easy. Language barriers meant Lorraine often relied on interpreters during meetings, and she had to be vigilant about exploitation when the young man first entered employment. But through consistent support and open communication, she helped him navigate college, find work, and build a life with his partner and new baby. "They moved on into a lovely flat together, and I was so proud of them," she recalls.

Lorraine has supported many young people, often those who have experienced trauma and face challenges with mental health or relationships. But she believes that empathy, structure, and trust can go a long way. "Every young person I've had has been lovely," she says. "They might struggle sometimes, but that’s often because of what they’ve been through. They just need someone to care."

When asked why she chose Supported Lodgings over renting privately to a lodger, Lorraine doesn’t hesitate: "I want to make a difference. I don’t just want someone to come in and do their own thing. I want them to feel supported, to have someone to talk to, and to help them move forward."

She admits that the extra income is helpful and that she enjoys having company at home. But it's clear that Lorraine's motivation runs deeper. "I like the life it brings to the house," she says. "I don’t want to live on my own. Hosting makes the house feel alive."

Lorraine praises the support she receives from Step by Step. "They're always there when I need them. We have regular meetings, and if there are any concerns, we deal with them together. It never feels like I’m doing it on my own."

Lorraine says hosting has been one of the most rewarding things she’s done. "I really enjoy being a host... I like the company in the house," she says. She also acknowledges the practical benefits: "It’s nice to have a bit of extra money," she smiles. But what really matters is the connection. "They bring a different life to the home... I'd much rather have a couple of young people with me. They just need someone to be there for them and guide them and support them."

If you have a spare room and want to help a young person find their feet, find out more: