Teenagers who have been in care or have had to leave home due to family problems can often find themselves alone. Many are lacking in skills and confidence to live independently. For most of us the transition to adulthood is a difficult time, and without the support of a family, the experience can be a traumatic one. Supportive Lodgings is recognised as one of the best ways of tackling youth homelessness, and provides an excellent transition stage towards independent living.

Step by Step works with local authorities and social service departments to provide Supportive Lodgings Schemes in specific areas of Hampshire and Surrey and we have been successfully working in this field for ten years.

Following the Government's initiative to make provision for more Supportive Lodgings, we have recently expanded our operation with new contracts with Hampshire County Council Care Leavers and Supporting People Teams, Surrey Heath Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council. These are in addition to our existing contract with Rushmoor Borough Council.

Supportive Lodgings provides an opportunity for young people to seek help and advice from a caring landlord/landlady with the day-to-day living skills that everyone has to learn - often all that is needed
is a listening ear. The schemes work with young people between the ages of 15 and 24 who are either leaving care or are deemed vulnerable by Social Services.

Have you got what it takes to become a Supportive Lodgings Carer?

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

Find out more here, and download our information leaflet.