Supported Lodgings and Fostering Afternoon Tea, Southampton
22 September 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.
If you have a spare room, and around an hour a day, you can help a young person find a safe place to call home and grow towards independent living.
