Could you support a young person in your home ?
Could you offer a young person a place in your home with the support and guidance they need to help them fulfil their potential in life?
HSC NI Foster Care is looking for more supported lodgings hosts in the Lisburn, North Down, Ards and Downpatrick areas who could offer young people aged 16-21 a caring home.
Supported lodgings is a semi-independent type of accommodation where a young person is given the opportunity to live with a host family or individual who guides them on their journey to independence.
Hosts help young people develop life skills such as cooking, basic DIY, managing money and household bills in preparation for moving to their own home when they are ready.
Young people who require supported lodgings include those moving on from foster or residential care, young people who may be homeless or experiencing difficulties at home, and young refugees who arrive in Northern Ireland without a parent or guardian.
These young people may be engaged in education, training or employment and will be in need of advice and support.
Aimee moved into supported lodgings two years ago. She said: “I moved in with my host when I was 17. I found supported lodgings gave me the right balance of support, with the freedom to grow and mature.
“I am now studying at university and this would not have been possible without the support of my host.”
As most young people are aged over 16, hosts can work as long as they have enough flexibility to support a young person, attend some appointments and undertake training.
Stephanie, a supported lodgings host, said: “Becoming a foster carer was always a dream of mine, but I thought it was impossible given I’m a single parent, work full time as a nurse and have three children of my own.
“When our young person initially came she was shy and introverted. It has been a real joy to see her develop into a beautiful young adult. She is so caring and has so many good qualities.”
Like all foster carers, hosts receive ongoing support including a weekly payment to contribute towards rent, food and utilities, a dedicated support team and training opportunities.
Foster Care welcome enquiries from people from all backgrounds, and in particular families or individuals from ethnic minority communities.
If you have a spare bedroom and would like to find out more about supported lodgings you can come along to the Virtual Information Session being held on Thursday 20 April 2023 at 7.00pm, you can log into the event using the Zoom details below:
Meeting ID: 841 0572 3283
Passcode: 976640
More information about supported lodgings is available on the Adoption and Foster Care website:
