Odette and Mark's experience as a supported lodgings host
Since 2023, married couple Odette and Mark from North Manchester, have been opening their home to young people through Supported Lodgings - giving them a room and support to develop independence skills.
The couple, who are in their 50s and have a daughter and two grandchildren, both have experience supporting young people. Odette being a former foster carer and family outreach worker, and Mark having worked in a residential children's home, and a college. It all helped to prepare them for the challenges of Supported Lodgings.
"We love being able to share our knowledge of life and inspire young people to be their best selves" says Odette. "All young people need positive role models and a healthy home."
Having become a mother at 17, Odette knows first-hand the importance of having a support network. "It took a village to help me raise my daughter," she says. "Now I want to be part of a young person's 'village'."
Day-to-day support includes teaching practical life skills. "I show them how to fill in a budget spreadsheet. I teach them to cook, clean, food shop. I ask them to help me in the garden and with household maintenance, so they can see how it's done."
When it comes to wellbeing, Odette says "We have family meetings where everyone has a voice. I make sure their spiritual needs are met – like dropping them off at their mosque or church. And we invest in our marriage so the young people can see what healthy relationships look like - a couple that loves each other and works as a team."
For Odette and Mark, seeing young people grow is the most rewarding part. One young person arrived feeling traumatised and lacking confidence. By the time she moved on, she was able to manage a household and maintain healthy relationships with appropriate boundaries.
"Watching a young person learn they're not alone in this world, but can also stand on their own two feet, is incredible," says Odette. "Seeing them transform into young adults - getting into a routine, committing to their education - that's the best!"
Have a spare room and considering Supported Lodgings? Odette says, "If you're flexible, committed, boundaried and know about young people, try it. Whilst the application process is long, it's worth it. And it fits around our full-time jobs. You get ongoing support from social workers. And can connect with other hosts through the WhatsApp group, social events and training sessions, so you can build community and support one-another."