Supported Lodgings

The objectives of the Supported Lodgings Scheme are to:

• Provide good quality housing that meets the needs of Young People as they enter adulthood
• Provide a safe learning environment in which Young People can develop the skills necessary for adult life
• Coordinate holistic support for Young People, in enabling them to take responsibility for themselves

What is Supported Lodgings?

Supported Lodgings is a scheme set up by BYHP to provide housing for homeless Young People within people's homes. These people are known as Hosts. The scheme is being supported by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. For more information about the work of BYHP, visit the BYHP website.

Why do Young People need Supported Lodgings?

Some Young People are not able to live at home and would benefit from developing their independence whilst 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?

• A spare room and a willingness to share your home with a Young Person between the ages of 16-25
• An interest and concern for the welfare of Young People
• A commitment to treating Young People with respect, care and sensitivity
• An ability to communicate effectively with Young People and to support them in an empowering way
• An ability to work in a positive and professional manner with the Supported Lodgings Team and other agencies
• 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 the Supported Lodgings Host required to deliver?

The Host, through the support and supervision of the Supported Lodgings Coordinator, delivers a program of support to the Young Person designed to develop the skills and confidence they need to live independently and maintain accommodation. 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 paid a support charge to deliver the support to the Young Person and paid rent for the use of the room
• You will be provided with ongoing professional training and development
• You will be supported and supervised throughout the placement.

What do Hosts and Young People say about the experience of living within Supported Lodgings?

"It was made to feel like home" - Zoe Keogh

"Being a Supported Lodgings Host is both challenging and rewarding, we have a lot of laughs and I find it to be a really positive experience" - Thelma Phillips

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 at BYHP. They welcome all your enquiries and will discuss any aspect of Supported Lodgings with you:

About the Young People

• The Young People accommodated in Supported Lodgings have varying needs defined as high, medium or low
• They come from a variety of backgrounds, have been influenced differently depending on their experiences, culture and socialisation
• They have three things in common; they are homeless or in housing need, under the age of 25 and have a city connection.

Meet the Young People

The following are three real life profiles of three Young People who have been accommodated within Supported Lodgings. This is to give you a brief insight into the Young People, the reason for their homelessness, their aims and support needs. (names and minor details have been changed to respect their confidentiality)

Paul

• Age 17
• Moved to Britain from South Africa age 9
• Lived with Mum and one younger brother
• Relationship broke down with Mum, she then moved out of Oxford to live with her new partner
• In full time education at school
• Aims to go on to University to study engineering
• Low support needs - mainly practical i.e. eating regularly and organisation his time

Sarah

• Age 18
• Placed in care age 7 as a result of severe child abuse
• Lived with Foster Carers
• No further Social Services funding available post age 18
• In full time therapy
• Aims to attend College to do an child care course
• Medium - high support needs i.e. mainly emotional support and being kept safe from exploitation

Jenni

• Age 16
• Lived with Mum and four younger brothers
• Jenni was attacked outside of the home and has since found it difficult to cope. Teenage brother chaotic, aggressive and violent towards Jenni, Mum unable to cope.
• In full time education
• Aims to attend counselling and Higher education to do a diploma in Hair and Beauty
• Medium support needs i.e. mainly emotional support and being kept safe from danger

Page last reviewed 28 Feb 2008