What is Supported Lodgings?

Supported Lodgings is a way of supporting young people towards independent living within a family setting. It is a stepping stone for young people to help them learn the skills needed to live self-sufficiently.

• The young people are aged between 16 and 25.
• They need somewhere to live but aren’t yet able to manage on their own.

We know that choosing to open your home to a young person is a decision which cannot be taken lightly, but we hope that the information given here will encourage you to take the first step of contacting a member of our team.

Danny, a young person who has recently moved on from Supported Lodgings explains what the service meant to him “I came to Supported Lodgings with nothing. Eighteen months down the line I not only have life skills such as cooking and budgeting, but a career with lots of potential.”

How can you help?

• Do you want to make a real difference to the life of a young person?
• Can you offer a room in your home? If so then why not become a Supported Lodgings householder?
• Do you live in Nottinghamshire?

Who can become a Supported Lodgings host?

Supported Lodgings providers come from all walks of life and backgrounds.

• You should have a spare bedroom in your home,
• be able to offer support
• have a genuine interest and concern for the welfare of young people.

There are no age, ethnicity, religious or sexual orientation limits and it does not matter if you are married, single or living as a couple. Some of our hosts are at home in the day whilst others combine the role with employment.

Nor does it matter if you rent or own your home so long as you check the particular details of any agreements you have.

Everyone who applies to become a provider will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check (CRB).

What will being a Supported Lodgings Host be like?

Any young person who you have living with you would have their own bedroom but would share your living room, kitchen and bathroom. You would need to provide them with breakfast and an evening meal until they learn to cater for themselves.

You would be there to listen and offer support with practical things like:

• managing money
• filling in forms
• cooking
• staying on track with education, training or employment.
  

To prepare you for being a provider, Stonham will train you and support you once a young person is living with you.

This support means that although at times you may be faced with situations which may be unfamiliar to you we do not expect you to face this on your own. Our placement managers will visit you and your young person at times to suit you. You may also have to cope with challenging behaviour as young people develop into mature adults. We will support you with this. You should find that the rewards and satisfactions far outweigh any problems or difficulties.

“When I first became a host I was a bit apprehensive but I got really good support from my project worker and knew I could ask her about any worries, however small. Each placement is different and brings different issues but it is worth it to see the difference you can make.”

How long will a young person stay with me?

Every young person is different and each will have varying needs. Young people are able to live in supported lodgings for up to two years.

What support will I receive?

All young people placed in Supported Lodgings will have an allocated Stonham placement manager. The placement manager’s main role is to support you but they will also use their knowledge and experience to help the young person sort out issues such as benefits. They will agree the support that needs to be given and monitor it at linkworking sessions and more formal reviews of the placement. This will help you and the young person to see what you are achieving as goals change over time.

Will I get paid?

You will receive around £120 per week for every young person you have staying with you. This will be paid to you on a monthly basis. Most young people will have to make a claim for local housing allowance to pay an element of their rent when they move in. Stonham will support you and the young person to do this.

How to Refer/Contact

Referral for The Supported Lodgings service can be made by a supporting agency (Drug/Alcohol Team, GP, Probation, Leaving Care Team, YOT Etc) or alternatively self referral is possible. 

For further information contact: -

Stonham Area Office Room 70, Dunston House 
Dunston Road   Chesterfield, S41 9QD

Tel: 01246 269164 OR 07889317712

We will then discuss the programme with you and arrange to come and see you with further information.