Supported Lodgings carer Tamara and our family support worker Claire joined ‘Host the Future‘ on behalf of Portsmouth City Council (one of the scheme’s partners) at a House of Commons reception on Monday to mark the first National Supported Lodgings Week (9-16 November).
The occasion celebrated the contribution of Supported Lodgings carers, young people and related schemes across the country, and also highlighted how Supported Lodgings can transform outcomes for young people as they move towards independence.
Foster Portsmouth, as Portsmouth City Council’s Supported Lodgings service, has also run a local campaign to raise awareness of the service and the urgent need for more Supported Lodgings carers in and around Portsmouth.
Supported Lodgings provides accommodation and a minimum of 10 hours a week support to young people up to the age of 24 taking their first steps into independence.
Some young people in Portsmouth need emotional support, encouragement, and a safe place to live. They might be leaving foster care, unable to stay with family, or seeking safety and asylum. What they need is a stepping stone to help them move into adulthood.
Supported Lodgings is a bit like fostering, but the young person is more independent. They can usually get themselves to college, training, or work. That means carers can still work and have more flexibility, while still making a big difference in a young person’s life by helping them learn to live on their own.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“We’re looking for individuals, couples, or families who understand the challenges young people face today.”
“If you can offer support to help them build confidence and learn key life skills, like cooking, washing, or budgeting, help them seek education, training or employment, and ultimately find a home of their own, you could make a real difference.”
Tamara has previously shared: “The way I see it, Supported Lodgings helps set them up for success.”
We’re looking for people to step forward to be a young person’s inspiration and mentor to help them get off on the right start to a successful independent life.
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.
Learn more about Supported Lodgings.
Read Tamara and Menno’s story, Helen’s story and Kate’s story.
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Parliament photo: Supported Lodgings carer Tamara holding left hand orange ‘Host the Future‘ board and Claire, Supported Lodgings family support worker, standing to her left.
