We’re shining a light on the incredible carers in Portsmouth who open their homes, and hearts, to young people who need a safe and supportive place to live. One of those carers is Helen, a Senior Animal Warden, who has been offering foster care and Supported Lodgings since December 2020.
Helen’s journey into fostering and Supported Lodgings began in an unexpected place: the classroom. With a degree in animal behaviour and years of experience teaching animal care in further education colleges, Helen often worked with older children, including those in care.
“I just wanted to help…”
“It piqued my interest,” she says. “I met two students whose stories really stayed with me. One was riding the bus all night because things were difficult at home. Another was experiencing problems in her foster care home. I just wanted to help.”
Since then, Helen has fostered more than 10 children, and offered Supported Lodgings to two young men, both aged 18. One stayed for three months, while the other has been with her for five years.
Helen speaks warmly about both young people. One arrived seeking safety and asylum, and moved from a foster arrangement to Helen’s home, then on to a hostel. Today, he’s studying plumbing at college and working part-time.
“He was nervous about giving blood recently,” Helen recalls, “but I supported him through it.”
The other young man came to Helen as a foster child at 15 and has now been with her for several years. He’s thriving in a road surfacing apprenticeship, has his own car, and continues to receive emotional and practical support from Helen.
“We’ve built a close relationship,” she says. “I help him manage money, regulate emotions, and stay connected with family; like visiting a relative who’s unwell.”
Why Supported Lodgings?
Helen believes Supported Lodgings is a brilliant option for people who want to make a difference but may not be able to commit to full-time fostering.
“You have nothing to lose by giving it a go,” she says. “There are so many young people who really need that support. It can lead to lifelong friendships.”
She also highlights the flexibility:
“There are fewer meetings and less recording than fostering, so it’s more suitable for someone who works full-time. And while the financial support isn’t as high as fostering, it’s better than having an empty bedroom.”
Support from Foster Portsmouth
Helen praises the support she receives from Foster Portsmouth.
“My fostering social worker is brilliant, and the Supported Lodgings team are great too. There’s always lots of training available, and the support for young people post-18 is strong; with good personal advisers and careers advice.”
She also values Portsmouth City Council’s ethical approach:
“I prefer working with the local authority; it’s not for profit, and that matters to me. The council is a foster-friendly employer, which helps me take time off for training and supporting young people.”
The little things matter
Of course, there are challenges.
“Living with teen boys!” Helen laughs. “Trying to get them to recycle toilet roll tubes. I’ve started buying ones without the cardboard now. And I’m still working on getting the dishes put away.”
But for Helen, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
“It’s lovely having someone else around the house. Celebrating their achievements and helping them build confidence; it’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Could you offer Supported Lodgings in Portsmouth?
If you have a spare room and want to make a difference in a young person’s life, Supported Lodgings could be for you. You don’t need to have parenting experience; just the ability to offer guidance, stability, and a listening ear.
To enquire or to arrange a 1:1 with one of our experienced team or an existing Supported Lodgings carer, please contact us on 023 9283 4071 or email us at fostering@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. To discuss fostering, please contact us here.
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Learn more about Supported Lodgings.
Read Tamara and Menno’s story.
Read Kate’s story.
