Anne's experience as a supported lodgings host
Alongside volunteering at her local community grocery, Anne, 66, from South Manchester continues to make a difference to young lives as a Supported Lodgings host.
Anne's journey began 15 years ago when she became a foster carer. After 10 years fostering and a period supporting a young person through Staying Put, she became a Supported Lodgings host five years ago.
"I've always loved the company of young people. When my birth daughters were young their mates were always round, so I've always had a full house. Now I'm a Supported Lodgings host and have two young people living with me - I like to keep my spare rooms full.
I love the shenanigans, the comings-and-goings, and the chat. It keeps me alive; it keeps me young!"
Since becoming a Supported Lodgings host, Anne has welcomed five young people into her home. Every experience is different, with some young people needing intensive support and others requiring only occasional guidance.
"It all depends on the individual – some have had difficult experiences and are vulnerable. And then you can get independent ones. I've got an amazing young man now, who's very capable. He needs some support, but he pretty much gets on with it. That said, he likes to be home to eat his dinner with everybody. He likes that family interaction."
Much of Anne's role involves helping young people develop life skills, from budgeting and meal planning to cooking, and building confidence for independent living. Just as important is providing a supportive presence.
"All young people need emotional support, consistency, and to know you're going to be there."
For Anne, the greatest reward is seeing young people move on to independence.
"When they're ready to make that leap and are successful, it's great." she says. "But you have to do supported lodgings for the right reasons - not just for the money. You should be patient, practical and realistic. And you must like young people. If you're the right person with the time, the energy, it can be incredibly rewarding. It doesn't consume you in the same way fostering does. Fostering is a lifestyle. But supported lodgings is different - A lot of Supported Lodgings hosts are also able to work full time, for example. I feel the support we get is perfect. There's ongoing training, and the young people have a social worker. They're not overbearing, they don't mither, but there's always someone at the end of the phone, and they'll visit if you need them to. Supported lodgings has definitely enhanced my life. There's never a dull moment."