Young People Stories
Luna* came to Step by Step when she was just 17 years old, having been in care for the majority of her life. She had move around a lot and never felt settled.
After meeting with Luna to talk about her needs, our Supported Lodgings service was identified as the perfect fit. Luna needed a stable place to call home, with the opportunity to learn the skills she needed to live independently.
Luna was carefully matched with a host who would be able to provide what she needed. When she moved into the host’s home, it quickly became obvious that Luna lacked even the most basic of life skills. She didn’t know how to use a washing machine, cook herself a meal or organise her room.
Supported Lodgings hosts provide more than a spare room in their home. They spend a few hours a week providing mentorship, imparting their knowledge and teaching everyday skills.
Luna thrived in this supportive environment. She soon learnt how to do her washing, plan a food shop and cook some healthy meals. Her newfound confidence saw her organising her week and introducing structure in her life, which helped her feel better about herself and the direction she was heading in.
Now, Luna is enjoying a Health and Social Care course at a local college. She has a keen interest in people, and supporting others who are going through adversity. She is hoping to get into support work herself when the time is right.
The fact that Luna is able to look forward with positivity and hope, is testament to the transformative support of her host and the work of Step by Step.
Luna told us: “I’m really enjoying my time in Supported Lodgings. It was definitely the right move for me. It’s the perfect mix of independence and support.”
*Name changed to protect identity.
Our short film, 18 Isn’t Cheaper, brings together lived experience, academic research and policy insight to show why the Universal Credit system leaves care leavers aged 18 to 24 at a significant disadvantage.
Hear directly from young people, their hosts and the professionals supporting them.
