Somewhere Safe to Live Supported accommodation for young people

What is Supported Accommodation?

Supported Accommodation means living in a shared building – also known as shared accommodation or a Foyer – where you have your own space but also access to support whenever you need it.

It’s a stepping stone for young people who are ready to move forward but still need some help along the way. You’ll be part of a small, respectful community, with trained staff available at all times.

How Does Supported Accommodation Work?

• You’ll have your own lockable bedroom (in some cases with ensuite) and access to a shared kitchen and living spaces
• Support staff are on-site 24/7
• You’ll have regular check-ins with a Support Worker to help with practical goals and emotional wellbeing
• You can take part in workshops and sessions on budgeting, cooking, job hunting, and more
• We help you work towards moving on when you're ready, at your pace

Who is Supported Accommodation For? 

This type of housing might be right for you if:

• You're aged 16-24 and at risk of homelessness
• You're leaving foster care or another supported setting
• You're a care leaver or unaccompanied asylum-seeking child (UASC)
• You're finding it hard to live at home or don’t feel safe there
• You need support to build the skills for independent living

We support young people from all walks of life, including those who’ve experienced care, family breakdown, sofa surfing, or periods of street homelessness. Whatever your background, we’ll take the time to understand your needs and help you find the right path forward.

What Support Will I Get?

Living in a Step by Step Foyer means having people around you who care and want to see you succeed. You’ll still have your independence, but you won’t have to figure everything out alone. You’ll get:

• A dedicated Support Worker who will help you set goals and support you in reaching them
• Help with practical things like applying for college, finding a job, or managing your money
• Everyday guidance with cooking, cleaning, and other independent living skills
• Emotional support if you’re feeling low, anxious, or just need someone to talk to
• The chance to access Launch, our advice and life skills programme for young people

We’ll work with you to build a personalised plan and check in regularly to help keep you on track.

Where is Supported Accommodation Available?

We currently have Foyers in:

• Aldershot – Our largest Foyer, with direct self-referral available and access to the full range of Step by Step services
• Basingstoke – A warm, supportive space with strong links to local education and employment opportunities
• Havant – Located in Leigh Park, not far from Havant & South Downs College, this Foyer provides Supported Accommodation with great access to local services and education
• Totton – A smaller, more homely Foyer that offers a quieter environment while still being well connected

Each Foyer has trained staff on-site 24/7, private bedrooms, shared living spaces, and tailored support.

In Aldershot, you can also self-refer for some of the rooms – you don’t need a social worker to get started.

We also offer Move-On Accommodation in some areas. 

What is Move-On Accommodation?

Move-On Accommodation is for young people who are nearly ready to live independently but want a bit of ongoing support to help them take that final step. It’s different from our Foyers because it doesn’t have staff on-site 24/7.

You’ll live in your own space, usually a flat or shared house, and a Step by Step Support Worker will visit regularly to check in and help with anything you need. This might include help managing your tenancy, sorting out bills, applying for jobs, or just having someone to talk things through with.

Move-On can be a great next step if you’ve already lived in Supported Accommodation.  To be eligible, young people must have been living in Supported Accommodation (with Step by Step or another provider) for at least the past three months. We currently offer this type of housing in Farnborough, and Basingstoke.

How Do I Get a Place?

If you already have a social worker or personal adviser, ask them to refer you to Step by Step. They’ll know how to start the process.

If you don’t have someone supporting you, or you’re not sure where to begin, you can contact our Launch team directly:

Email us

Call: 01252 346 105

We’ll listen, talk you through your options, and help you take the next step.

Is Supported Accommodation Right for Me?

You might be wondering whether you’d feel comfortable living in a shared building. That’s completely normal. Our team are here to talk it through with you.

Supported Accommodation may be right for you if you:

• Need a bit more structure or support than living with a host
• Feel safer with staff around all the time
• Want to live somewhere with people your own age

If you’d prefer a quieter home setting, read about Supported Lodgings for young people. You can always talk to us about both options.