Do you live in or near South Gloucestershire and could you provide a young person with the following?

• A room of their own in your home for anywhere between 6 months and 2 years
• Their own front door key.
• Use of facilities including kitchen, bathroom and living room.
• A safe and welcoming home environment.
• Advice and support on practical life skills like cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry and using public transport.
• Encouragement to make and sustain positive choices in their lives.

Supported Lodgings is one of many accommodation options available to young people aged 16+ in South Glos. It offers the opportunity to live in the home of an approved person, known as a 'Supported Lodgings Host', for up to 2 years.  

During the stay, approved ‘Supported Lodgings Hosts’ - or simply ‘Hosts' - will offer support with practical skills like cooking, cleaning and shopping, alongside encouragement and guidance to the young person in their care. Along with providing a safe living environment, Hosts also provide a listening ear, positive regard and guidance which encourage young people to develop their skills and grow. 

Support for the Hosts is provided by 1625ip's Supported Lodgings Coordinator. Hosts are supported to build a trusting relationship with the young person, set and maintain positive boundaries, and encourage young people to claim their independence. There is no expectation to quit your day job, all we ask is that you are willing to provide a safe space and a room. Owning your own home is not a requirement, although you will need to get the agreement of your accommodation provider/ landlord to offer the space. 

A typical week might include: 

Helping a young person cook their tea.
Showing a young person how to use a washing machine. 
Showing a young person the local bus routes.
Taking an interest in the young person's day.
Encouraging a young person to maintain their job/ college course.
Helping a young person to budget.

In addition to being paid an allowance of £220 per week, you will also have access to all South Gloucestershire Council's training for carers. Supported Lodgings is a great option for people who may be looking to become foster carer and people with a spare room and a willingness to provide a young person the stable platform they need to take the next steps in life.

About you

No previous experience is required but we are looking for people who are:

- Caring
- Not judgemental
- Understanding
- Up for a challenge
- Welcome and encouraging
- Open
- Honest
- Fair
- Patient