Supported Lodgings for West Sussex County Council
Could you support a young person to develop their
?
As a Supported Lodgings host, you don’t need superpowers; all it takes is an open heart, a spare room, and a genuine desire to support a young person aged 16-24 to prepare for independent adult life. By teaching life skills and providing emotional support, you could help a young person reach their full potential.Â
Would you like to find out more?
We’d love to hear from you.Â
The key differences between Supported Lodgings & Foster Care
The distinctions between Supported Lodgings and Foster Care can sometimes be confusing. To make it easier, we've outlined the key differences below so you can determine which type of care might be the most suitable option for you.
Supported Lodgings hosts can continue with work and hobbies as young people do not need ongoing care and supervision
Young people in Supported Lodgings are considered a member of your household, rather than a member of your family
Supported Lodgings hosts help a young person move towards living independently and help prepare them for adulthood
Supported Lodgings hosts need to undertake sufficient training to ensure the safety of a young person living in their home
Foster Carers need to provide ongoing support and supervision for the children in their care
Foster Carers are expected to treat young people in their care as if they were their own child
Foster Carer is a way of providing a family life for children who are unable to live with their birth family
Foster Carers follow training pathways to help them meet the practical and emotional needs of children who have experienced trauma
Supported lodgings - unaccompanied asylum seeking young people
In West Sussex, one third of Supported Lodgings young people are Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking (UASC)
Your Supported lodgings journey
Why become a Supported Lodgings host with West Sussex County Council?
Financial Support
We offer a financial package that starts from £15,000 per year (for each young person in your care), depending on the length of time a young person is with you. If supporting an Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Child (UASC), you will also recieve an additional £75 per week for the first 12 weeks of them being in the UK.
Comprehensive Training
We provide comprehensive training and opportunities for ongoing professional development to equip you with the skills you need to be an exceptional Supported Lodgings host. You can access courses specific to you and the young person, such as Understanding and Supporting LGBT+ Young People, Online Safety, Recognising Racism, etc.
Professional and
Peer Support
Each Supported Lodgings host gets your own dedicated Child and Family Worker, with whom you will meet regularly and who is your initial point of contact. You can also access out-of-hours assistance and support groups, meaning you can always get answers to any questions you have - big or small!
Supported lodgings YOUNG PEOPLE
Who is Supported Lodgings for?
Young people in foster care who would like to move towards independent living
When a young person in foster care reaches the age of 16, they may be ready to start preparing to live independently, so transitioning to a Supported Lodgings host may be the most beneficial arrangement for them. Some may be in a residential setting and are already capable, but need the emotional support and advocacy that comes from living in a home environment.
Young people who come into care for the first time at the age of 16
For some young people who enter care as older teenagers, Supported Lodgings is the perfect environment. This provides all the benefits of home comforts, along with the emotional support of having a trusted adult to advocate for them, as they continue to develop their life skills, confidence and independence.
Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking young people (UASC)
Supported Lodgings hosts give Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children a safe place to live while their case to remain in the UK is considered by the Home Office. They may find themselves alone in the UK because they have been trafficked, been separated from their family due to an immigration issue, or because they fled their home due to war or fear of persecution.
Supported Lodgings HOST stories
Hear from our local Supported Lodgings hosts
Ready to change a young person's life?
There's no pressure at this stage. Whether you're at the early stages of considering becoming a Supported Lodgings host, or ready to take the next step, our team is here to support you.
Simply fill out the form or contact us below for an informal chat
Prefer to call us or attend an event?
Give us a call
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Frequently asked questions
How long can I expect a young person to live with me as a Supported Lodgings host?
While some young people may live with you on an emergency or short-term basis, most Supported Lodgings arrangements aim for young people to live with a host for a duration of one to two years. This longer time period allows for a more comprehensive and supportive transition period for the young person.
Can I work full-time and still be a Supported Lodgings host?
Supported Lodgings hosts are not required to provide round-the-clock support, and many continue with their full-time or part-time employment. As long as a Supported Lodgings host has the capacity to provide emotional support and guidance to the young person in their home, continuing to work is no barrier.
What responsibilities do Supported Lodgings hosts have?
Supported Lodgings hosts play a crucial role in providing a safe and nurturing environment for a young person to bridge the transition between care and living independently. Responsibilities include offering emotional support, helping with practical life skills, for example, cooking, washing and budgeting, and creating a supportive atmosphere to help them reach their full potential in adult life.
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people may require additional support with things such as registering with a dentist and GP, liaising with the Home Office while their asylum claim is being reviewed, enrolling for English lessons, applying to college, finding a local place of worship, navigating public transport, etc.
What is the age range for young people in Supported Lodgings?
Supported Lodgings is designed for young people aged 16-21 (or 24 if they are in higher education) who are preparing to live independently. Being with a Supported Lodgings host offers them the opportunity to live in the home of a supportive family, individual, or couple.
Who can become a Supported Lodgings host?
Supported Lodgings hosts come from diverse backgrounds, and there is no one-size-fits-all profile. Individuals, couples, and families who are compassionate, understanding, and committed to supporting young people in their journey to independence can become hosts. Here is the essential criteria:
- A spare room
- Life experience
- An understanding of the issues young people can face
- The desire to make a difference
Can I become a Supported Lodgings host if I don't own my own home?
Yes, you do not need to own your own home to become a Supported Lodgings host. However, you should have a spare room in your home to be able to provide a safe, stable and supportive environment for a young person to enjoy some privacy.
