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The Supported Lodgings Scheme is aimed at helping young people over sixteen who cannot live with their own families to develop practical skills in a nurturing environment. This will eventually help them to live independently in their own accommodation. We want to recruit adults who can provide the support and commitment that will help young people to make the transition to independence.
This is when you offer a room in your home to a young person between 16 and 21 years. They will have their own key, do their own shopping, cooking, cleaning and manage their own money. They will need some support from you with tasks and a safe nurturing environment.
The young people we place in supported Lodgings are all involved with the local authority. There is no typical sort of young person; they come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some have had challenging life experiences, which make it difficult to move easily to independence. They need adults around them who are sensitive to their needs and who can support them to make decisions appropriately.
We want to attract carers from different racial and cultural backgrounds, to provide supported lodgings with people who reflect the community as a whole. You could be a single parent, living with a partner or on your own.
A spare room
An interest in helping young people
And live in or close to Westminster
We would like to hear from you.
It is important, in order to help young people reach their full potential, that you have an understanding about how to encourage self-confidence and help them develop a positive identity.
Yes, you will receive a weekly payment for the young person and an additional payment for your service.
If you are interested in finding out more please complete our online contact form or telephone: The Recruitment Team on 020 7641 2235. Please include your name address, and a day time telephone number. (Please note applicants for Supported Lodging should be within the London area)
A worker will then contact you to arrange to visit you at home to begin the assessment process.
After this visit there will be group preparation and training covering some of the basic information you will need. This will be followed by further visits to your home to discuss in more detail what is involved in being a supported lodging carer and to find out more about you.
A number of checks will be made with the police, your GP and local authority. We will also ask for two personal references.
The amount of time it takes to be approved as a supported lodgings carer can vary but will generally take up to 6 months from the time of your first home visit.
You will receive regular visits and support from the Supported Lodging Co ordinator. The young person will have his or her own social worker allocated from a district team. They will be able to help you sort out any difficulties that may arise. You will also be offered training and be able to attend a support group for supported lodgings carers.
All supported lodgings placements are planned. This means we will match carers to young people. Before a placement is made you will have an opportunity to meet the young person and decide with them, and their social worker, whether you're home is the right place for them to live.
Most problems between young people and their supported lodging carers are resolved positively. However, if problems persist, and a placement breaks down, alternative accommodation will be found for the young person. The young person's social worker and the supported lodging worker will help in this process.
Last Updated: 21 Jun, 2006
2008 Westminster City Council. Contact the Council
