Spinnaker Tower Abseil, Portsmouth
11 July 2026
News
The BBC recently covered the story of Olivia, a 17-year-old living with a Supported Lodgings host. We were delighted to receive such coverage and for Supported Lodgings to be recognised for the genuine difference it makes to young people’s lives.
The BBC video featured Oliva talking about moving in with host Sarah after spending six months in a hostel. Olivia had found living in the hostel difficult and isolating, but returning home was not an option. Supported Lodgings now provides her with a family living environment and a caring host to act as a mentor and confidant.
The video also featured STEP Worker Bethan Cotterill talking about the challenges of recruiting new hosts during lockdown.
The story was published on the BBC News website and shown on BBC Local television, and seems to have resonated with the public. It has led to an unprecedented number of people applying to become Supported Lodgings hosts.
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.
