Our Supported Lodgings scheme works to provide important support systems for our looked-after young people, typically aged 16 – 21, as they head into adulthood. Hosts offer their matched young person help and guidance during the development of essential life skills, such as household tasks, budgeting and making life decisions.
Megan* recently told us how the Supported Lodgings scheme has benefitted her:
I moved into my Supported Lodgings placement with K and A in December 2023.
Living here can obviously be a bit different compared to an average teenager’s life, but in the little time I have been, I have found that I’m a lot less stressed and a lot more relaxed.
Since moving in with K and A, they have supported me in learning new life skills, such as taking responsibility for my time keeping, keeping on top of my personal hygiene, and getting better at money management skills. I feel like I am always treated as a mature young adult by them - K and A talk to me like an adult, and we respect one another.
In our house there are rules and boundaries. For example, not being able to ring anyone after 9pm, or having a curfew when I go out in the evening. However, I have come to understand that these rules are not put in place to annoy me or control me, but to keep me safe and give me the mature understanding of having self-discipline, which I like developing.
In my placement, I sometimes think about the future. K has helped me start on ASDAN, which is a programme for young people to work towards independence at 18+. I find it helpful to be working towards something like that. Although I have not made any decisions that far ahead, when I first arrived, I asked K if I had to find somewhere else when I turned 18 - her reply was NO! I can stay here up to 21 (or until graduation if I’m still in full-time education).
Although my journey with K and A is still very new, I am grateful for the opportunity given to me, and believe more adults in Leicestershire should consider becoming a Supported Lodgings Host to develop young people on their road to independence.
Person:'Megan', looked-after young person
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Supported Lodgings Host, visit our dedicated Supported Lodgings webpage or contact the Fostering Team on 0116 305 0505.
You can also follow our Fostering Facebook page for regular updates.
*Name altered to maintain anonymity.