Offer supported lodging for a young person leaving care

About the scheme

Supported Lodgings is an accommodation scheme for young people leaving care, aged 16–21, who are not yet ready to live on their own. It is also designed for unaccompanied asylum seekers of the same age.

The scheme offers young people the opportunity to live in the home of a Supported Lodgings Provider Carer who will help them prepare for independent living in a safe and supportive environment.

Who we are we looking for

We need people who:

• live in or near the borough of Lewisham
• have a spare room in their home
• are patient and have some understanding of the challenges young people can face
• are willing to work with various professionals to help a young person develop life skills.

We want to recruit people from a variety of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds and encourage families, couples or single people to apply.

You can work full time, part time or live on benefits.

The most important thing is that you like being with teenagers and have an understanding of some of the issues they may face, as well as the time and flexibility to offer advice and support.

You must be able to offer a young person:

• a room of their own with sufficient space to hold a small desk & chair, double bed and wardrobe
• their own front door key
• a home environment that is safe and welcoming
• use of shared facilities including the kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining room
• assistance to develop practical skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, accessing services and using public transport
• a supportive and non-judgemental approach
• encouragement to make and sustain healthy positive relationships with friends and family and engage in employment education or training.

What we can offer you

In return for providing accommodation, there are many benefits, including:

• weekly payments of £250 for providing accommodation and support
• a preparation training course and additional training opportunities
• ongoing support and supervision with a named worker
• a regular forum meeting for provider carers
• the chance to develop a positive relationship with a wide variety of young people
• the opportunity to make a difference to a young person’s life whilst working in partnership with professionals. 

How to become a provider

If you are interested in becoming a Supported Lodgings Provider Carer, contact us for an information pack and an informal discussion where we can then establish that you meet the necessary requirements.

Through an assessment process we will assign a named professional to assess applicants to make sure they meet the key requirement to become a Supported Lodgings Provider carer. The assessment process can take between three to five months, this involves:

•  answering questions about yourself and your life

• successfully completing local authority, DBS and medical checks

• providing satisfactory references.

Information events

We host regular information events on fostering and supported lodging. Find out more and book a place.