Supported Lodgings

The supported lodgings scheme aims to tackle the lack of housing options for young people. Many young people aged 16 or 17, whether they are leaving care or they can no longer live at home, are just not ready to live on their own. The supported lodgings scheme helps young people to develop the practical skills and emotional stability they will need to become an adult, and to make a success of living independently and achieving their personal potential.

How does it work?

Supported lodgings providers rent rooms in their homes to young people and give them the support, encouragement and guidance they need to develop the skills and confidence to live independently. The young person renting the room becomes part of the household and shares the facilities.

Supported lodgings providers work in partnership with the young person, a social worker and Barnardos Leaving Care Team to provide a programme of support that meets the young person's individual needs. Some will need help with practical tasks such as cooking, budgeting or shopping economically, while others will need more emotional support. Many will need both. The idea is that they gradually take on more responsibility for looking after themselves until they reach the point where they feel confident enough to cope on their own.