Supported Lodgings and Fostering Christmas Afternoon Tea, Basingstoke
3 December 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.
Seven young people from Step by Step recently swapped dry land for open water, spending five days crewing a yacht along the south coast with Ocean Youth Trust South.
