In partnership with Wigan Council, the national homelessness charity Depaul UK has launched Supported Lodgings in Wigan. Supported lodgings hosts are people in the community who open their homes to care leavers aged 16- 21 and provide them with a warm, welcoming and safe environment. Supported lodgings is a paid opportunity where hosts receive £195 per week. However, this opportunity is designed to fit around a host's lifestyle, and they do not have to leave their current job role.
Depaul UK are now looking for local hosts with a spare room to support this exciting initiative.
If the young person chooses to access supported lodgings, they must be in education, training, or employment. Supported lodgings is there to help prepare our young people for the future and support them in reaching their goals.
A supported lodgings host would need to be able to offer the young person a room of their own, provide emotional support and a chance to learn life skills. The arrangement can last for up to two years, depending on when the young person feels ready to move on. Once the young person has gained the relevant skills and is ready to move on to independent living, we will work closely with housing providers to ensure the appropriate accommodation is allocated. Both you and the young person sign a ‘Living Together Agreement’ that outlines the household expectations.
All hosts have regular support and supervision from the supported lodgings coordinator and will have access to the relevant training. A supported lodgings host is not a foster carer and does not need to follow the fostering regulations. Even though the host is not responsible for the young person in the same way a foster carer would be, they are asked to support the young person to live independently.
Want to find out more?
Join us at our upcoming Q and A session on Tuesday 29th April at 7pm, where you find out more about becoming a host and ask your questions to our expert team.
To enquire about becoming a Supported Lodgings host, email Supported Lodgings or visit Depaul UK (external link).
Frequently asked questions
How are you assessed to become a host?
The assessment process helps us to fully understand your lifestyle so we can 'match' a young person with you and your home. Your assessment will consist of your current and past personal information, background police DBS check, health and safety assessment within your home and character and professional references.
What financial support is there?
Supported Lodging Hosts receive £195.00 per week for each young person living with them.
Do I pay tax on the money from Wigan Council?
The ‘Rent a Room Scheme’ lets you earn up to £7,500 (from 2016) per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home. If you earn more than the threshold, you may have to complete a tax return.
Will I have to increase my insurance?
You’ll need to inform your insurance company in writing that you intend to provide supported lodgings to a young person.
What if I have criminal convictions?
This does not necessarily stop you from becoming a supported lodgings provider. The type of offence and whether it would be relevant to safeguarding a young person placed in your home will be assessed. Anyone living in your home who is over the age of 18 would also need an enhanced DBS check.
How will I know if the young person is a ‘match’ for living in my home?
The supported lodgings coordinator will know a lot of information about the young person and you. The assessment process helps us to fully understand your lifestyle and what would be realistic. A “matching process” will take place before anything starts. You will have multiple opportunities to meet the young person, and this will only go ahead if you, the young person and supported lodgings coordinator are comfortable.
What if I need help or am worried about something once a young person is placed?
You will get regular visits from your supported lodgings coordinator who will also be on the end of the phone during office hours to offer support. Depaul UK also offer an out-of-hours on call service to support you outside of office hours if it’s ever needed.
Are there any meetings or reviews?
Any meetings will be arranged around your commitments and will help to ensure all the support you and the young person needs is in place.
What training is available for supported lodgings hosts?
Depaul UK offer all new supported lodgings hosts a comprehensive training package prior to the commencement of the role, alongside on-going training opportunities. Wigan Council also offers a rolling programme each year of courses for foster carers, ‘staying put’ hosts and supported lodgings providers. As a supported lodgings host, you will have access to courses on our e-learning portal through your account to help you build on your skills and knowledge.