	Supportive Lodgings

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Supportive Lodgings

We are looking to recruit six additional Supportive Lodgings Hosts for 2010. If the following details look interesting to you then we would be delighted to hear from you and discuss any questions you may have. Our hosts can earn up to £175 per week per young person.

Call 01252 313 158, or email barbara.wolfe@stepbystep.org.uk

What is Supportive Lodgings?
Supportive Lodgings provide young people at risk with accommodation within people's homes; these people are known as hosts.

Supportive lodgings offer care in a home setting

Clients live in their host's home

Why do young people need Supportive Lodgings?
Some young people have left the care system or are unable to live at home but would benefit from being able to develop their independent living skills whilst living with a responsible adult.

Who can become a Supportive Lodgings host?
Supportive Lodgings hosts come from all walks of life and backgrounds. There are no restrictions based on age, ethnicity or marital status.

What do I need to become a Supportive Lodgings host?

A spare room
Willingness to help a young person aged 16 to 25
Be able to give 1-2 hours support a day
An ability to communicate with young people to support and empower them
Patience, compassion, understanding and a good sense of humour!

Are there any reasons why I can't become a Supportive Lodgings host?
Extensive references are required for all prospective hosts, including police checks. Only certain serious criminal convictions would prevent you from becoming a host.

What services is the Supportive Lodgings host required to deliver?
The host, with the support of the Supportive Lodgings staff team, delivers a programme of support to the young person designed to develop their confidence and the skills needed to live independently. The level of support will be agreed before the young person moves in.


These pictures were taken on a recent trip to Wales, where several young people and their hosts climbed, walked and went geo-caching. To reassure those of a less active disposition or ability: this is NOT something that all hosts are expected to do!

What are the benefits of becoming a Supportive Lodgings host?

Being a host can be very rewarding and can be carried out alongside a full-time job.
You will be paid to support the young person, from £140 per week for a single young person and up to £175 if you are able to take a young mother and her baby.
You will be provided with on-going support and training throughout the placement.

How do I apply to become a Supportive Lodgings host?
We suggest the first step is to have an informal chat with the Supportive Lodgings Manager, Barbara Wolfe; you can telephone
her on 01252 313 158, or email barbara.wolfe@stepbystep.org.uk.

From time to time we hold information evenings about Supportive Lodgings in Aldershot from 5.00pm until 7.30pm. Attending the event will enable you to talk to existing hosts and the staff that support them. We will be delighted to see you and explain face to face about the benefits of the role. Please feel free to contact Barbara to register your interest in coming along and she will ensure that you will receive full details of an upcoming event.

Have a look at our two case studies: Carer story + Client Story

Find out more here, and download our information leaflet.

"It is unacceptable for a civilised society like ours to expect homeless 16 and 17 year-olds to be on their own in bed and breakfast hotels. This is one of the worst faces of homelessness today. We are making a commitment today that, by 2010, 16 and 17 year-olds will not be placed in bed and breakfast hotels unless it is an emergency. One measure is that local authorities and local partners will establish Supportive lodgings schemes throughout the country."

Ruth Kelly, MP

Supportive Lodgings works with the following local authorities: