Supported lodgings

Offer accommodation to a young person leaving care

Information for people who are interested in offering accommodation to young people leaving care.

About the supported lodgings scheme

Sometimes when young people leave a foster home or leave care they are not quite ready to live independently. In this situation, a young person (aged 16 to 21) can go and live in someone else’s home. The young person is helped by their host to learn skills and get ready to live independently. It’s called supported lodgings.

Who can be a supported lodging host

To be a host, you must be over 21 years old and have a safe and secure spare bedroom for the young person. Hosts also need to give the young person:

• a room of their own
• their own front door key
• a home environment that is safe and welcoming
• use of shared facilities including the kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining room
• advice on practical skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning and more
• help with completing forms and applications
• encouragement to develop positive relationships with friends, family and others.

We want to recruit people from all backgrounds and encourage families, couples or single people to apply. We welcome applicants who work full-time, part-time or get benefits and financial support.

What support do hosts get

In return for providing accommodation and support, there are many benefits, including:

• weekly payments of £300 for rent and support
• a preparation training course and ongoing training and support
• opportunity to make a difference to a positive young person’s life

How to become a host

If you're interested in becoming a host, email our recruitment team at supportedlodgings@southwark.gov.uk 

We will speak to you about the service, the assessment process and send you an application form.

All applicants and their household (over 18) will need to do the following checks:

• DBS
• local authority checks
• medical checks
• references (two friends and one family member)
• Ofsted and NSPCC checks

Your assessment will usually include three or four home visits and a two-day training course an assessment. You will then need to attend a Panel who will recommend your approval as a supported lodgings host. 

Page last updated: 09 April 2024