Supported lodgings
Supported lodgings is a scheme set up to provide housing for homeless young people aged between 16 and 25 in people’s homes.
The objectives of the supported lodgings scheme are to:
- provide good quality housing that meets the needs of the young people as they enter adulthood
- provide a safe learning environment in which young people can develop the skills necessary for adult life
- coordinate different types of support for young people, enabling them to take responsibility for themselves.
What are supported lodgings?
Supported lodgings provide a young person with a room of their own in a private home where they are a member of the household, but are not expected to become a member of the family. The householder, known as a host, provides a safe and supportive environment, working alongside professional services to empower the young person to develop their life skills and prepare them for independent adult life.
Why do young people need supported lodgings?
Some young people are not able to live at home and would benefit from developing their independence while living with a responsible adult in the safety and security of their home.
Who can become a supported lodgings host?
Supported lodgings hosts come from all walks of life and backgrounds. It does not matter if you are married, single or living as a couple and there are no restrictions based on your age, ethnicity, religious or sexual orientation.
What do I need to become a supported lodgings host?
You will be expected to provide the young person with:
- sole use of a bedroom
- use of kitchen, laundry facilities, bathroom and access to communal facilities/areas
- food as agreed
- up to 10 hours per week of practical and emotional support around the development of their life skills
You will also need to:
- complete tasks allocated to the host within the young person’s support plan
- collect the service charge from the young person every week
- inform the supported lodgings team of any changes in the young person's circumstances and if the young person breaks house rules
- attend review meetings with the young person and the Supported Lodgings Team once a month
- attend regular supervision meetings with the Supported Lodgings Manager
- complete the five mandatory training courses and engage in training and development where necessary
- maintain the required standards of health and safety within the property
- have patience, compassion, understanding and a good sense of humour!
Are there any reasons why I can’t become a supported lodgings host?
Extensive references are required for all prospective supported lodgings hosts, including police checks. Only certain serious criminal convictions will automatically disqualify you from becoming a host.
What service is a supported lodgings host required to deliver?
The host works alongside the supported lodgings manager and young persons housing support worker to deliver a program of support to the young person designed to develop their life skills and prepare them for independent adult life.
The type and level of support will be agreed before each young person moves in.
What are the benefits of becoming a supported lodgings host?
- being a supported lodgings host is a rewarding occupation, which can be carried out alongside your existing employment or as a full time profession
- you will be provided with ongoing professional training and development. You will be paid a support charge to provide support to the young person, paid rent for the use of the room and a personal contribution from the young person
- you will be supported and supervised throughout the placement.
Testimonials
"I think supported lodging is really helpful for young people like me. It is a step closer towards being independent. The host that I am living with is nice and supportive; it is a family and friendly environment. It is an opportunity for me to learn independent skills like cooking, shopping and spending money wisely. I find supported lodging really helpful" - Zia Amiri, young person
"Being a supported lodgings host is testing and requires love, dedication and skills. It has enabled us to play an important role in supporting a disadvantaged young person; we enjoy helping them to make successful transition into independent, adult life" - Angelina & Phillip Abayateyes, host
"Being in supported lodgings has afforded me the unique opportunity to make a invaluable contribution to the lives of young People and the community as a whole" - Joan Young, host
"A fantastic scheme that provides a supportive environment for young people so that they are able to have stability and help to achieve their potential" - Jonathon Crew, Housing Options, Oxford City Council
What sort of young people are accommodated in supported lodgings?
The majority of our young people are aged 16-18 and supported lodgings is predominantly beneficial to ‘younger young people’.
Supported lodgings has been able to support and accommodate young people with complex and multiple needs. However, supported lodgings are not suitable for all young people, for example those who have few boundaries to their behaviour or who want the freedom and anonymity of other settings, and/or who are not willing to take responsibility for their own life skills development and progression towards independence.
For those who meet the criteria, supported lodgings has proven to improve the young person’s outcomes significantly.
How do I apply to become a supported lodgings host?
We suggest that the first step is to have an informal chat with the supported lodgings team. We welcome all your enquiries and will discuss any aspect of supported lodgings with you.
Roz Denson
Supported Lodgings Manager
01865 323104
roz.denson@oxfordshire.gov.uk
We also provide emergency lodgings via the Crash Pad Service. It provides support and accommodation for a short time in the home.
Supported lodgings leaflet
Information for hosts is available to download as a leaflet (.pdf format, 916Kb).
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