Jenny* was forced to leave the family home at just 17 years old. Things had become increasingly difficult to the point she no longer felt safe.

Step by Step were able to help at what was a very scary, anxious time for her. We offered Jenny a place in Supported Lodgings, living with a host family who would provide not only a safe place to live, but the nurturing and mentorship she needed to move forward with her life.

Jenny’s hosts were supportive from day one, offering her a space to talk about anything that was on her mind. The hosts already had two children of their own, and they allowed Jenny to integrate with their family to the point she felt comfortable and cared for.

Soon after settling into her placement, Jenny found herself a job. Her Support Worker says: “Jenny gives her work her all. Some days are very tough due to the nature of the role, but she knows she has somewhere comforting to come home to and somewhere she can rest at the weekends.”

All was going well with the placement. However, Jenny would have to move out on her 18th birthday, because placements are not statutorily funded post-18. Jenny was working towards university, and leaving Supported Lodgings at this time would have jeopardised her studies; she would have to move out of a stable living arrangement at precisely the wrong time.

Fortunately, Step by Step is able to offer Extended Supported Lodgings placements in such situations. These placements are not reliant on statutory funding and so can support young people beyond 18 years old.

This meant that Jenny could continue her studies and stay with her host family right up until her university start date.

Thanks to her Extended Supported Lodgings placement, Jenny had the time and space to prepare for the next chapter in her life.

* Name changed to respect privacy