We are looking for new supported lodgings providers in Lincolnshire to offer a room in their home for a young person aged 16 to 24.
Could you help a young person develop their independence? Supported lodgings provide young people leaving care with the opportunity to prepare for independent adult life while still having the support of a trusted adult.
All it takes is an open heart, a spare room, and a genuine desire to make a difference. You’ll be helping a young person gain practical life skills, build confidence, and take the next step towards living independently.
How supported lodgings are different from foster care
Supported lodgings is not the same as fostering. Young people are seen as members of your household, rather than members of your family. They need support and guidance, but not full-time care or supervision.
As a supported lodgings provider, you can usually continue with your job, studies, or hobbies. Your role is to:
- provide a safe place to live
- offer encouragement and advice
- help prepare a young person for independence and adulthood
Foster carers, on the other hand, provide a family life for children who cannot live with their birth family. They give ongoing support and supervision, and are expected to care for the child as if they were their own.
Who you might support
Supported lodgings are for young people who are:
- moving on from foster care or a children’s home, and want more independence
- coming into care for the first time at age 16 or over
- unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people (UASC)
A significant number of young people in our care are UASC. We urgently need providers who can help guide them through this important stage of their lives.
Training and support for providers
We are here to support you from your first enquiry through to welcoming a young person into your home.
- Training – you’ll receive full training before a placement starts, with ongoing opportunities to develop your skills. Courses cover topics such as online safety, recognising racism and supporting LGBT+ young people.
- Dedicated support – each provider has their own Supported Lodgings Worker, who you’ll meet with regularly. You can also access out-of-hours help and support from the young person’s social worker or leaving care worker.
Financial support
Supported lodgings providers receive funding made up of:
- support costs
- rent
- a young person’s contribution towards food and utilities
Exact amounts are agreed on an individual basis. Please note, this is not a guaranteed income as there may not always be a young person in placement.
Your next step
Whether you are just starting to think about it or are ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can give young people in Lincolnshire the support they need to achieve their independence.