People with good mentoring skills and a spare room sought in new supported lodgings campaign

Be a supported lodgings host and put your spare bedroom to good use is the message from a Staffordshire host.

Martin and Bev Young from Stafford are supported lodgings hosts with Staffordshire County Council and have given a local child a place they can call home where they can learn the skills to be independent. The couple now want other families to do the same.

Supported lodgings means opening your home to a young person aged 16 to 19, offering a safe and nurturing environment where young people can build independence and learn essential life skills. Hosts guide young people in practical tasks like cooking, cleaning and managing money, while also encouraging their education or training as they prepare for adulthood.

Martin said:

"We've been hosting now for three years and have cared for two young people so far.

"It's a privilege being a host and to support young people into adulthood. Many arrive without family to support them and it's incredibly rewarding to offer them a safe, welcoming home.

"As hosts we aren't alone; we're supported by a supported lodgings co-ordinator and have access to all foster carer training. Hosting isn't a long-term commitment, young people stay only until they're ready for independent living. We keep in touch with the first young person we hosted and feel proud seeing them thrive. To anyone thinking about hosting we'd say go for it, you won't regret it."

Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said:

"All sorts of people from all walks of life can become a host and our latest campaign is hoping to encourage more local families to consider joining us.

"People who want to host simply need to have a spare bedroom, good communication skills and want to support local young people. If this sounds like you and you're looking to make a difference in 2025 then please get in touch with the team and start the process."

Anyone interested in becoming a supported lodgings host with Staffordshire County Council can find out more at Supported Lodgings in Staffordshire or by calling 0800 169 2061.