Supported Lodgings Scheme

Many vulnerable care experienced young people aged 16 - 21 years old are not quite ready to live on their own. Supported Lodgings through Bridgend County Borough Council’s 16+ Team offers these young people a room within a home environment where they can be safe, develop their confidence and learn skills to live independently. 

We are looking for people with a variety of backgrounds: there are no limitations.

You need to be able to meet the following criteria and demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Anyone over 25 years old with a spare room can apply to become a supported lodgings provider
  • Being in full-time work is not a barrier to taking part in the scheme, but you will need to be flexible and available for assessment and training requirements and meetings about the young person
  • Your marital status, sexuality and cultural background will not affect your application.
  • A warm and caring personality with an understanding of the potential difficulties faced by young people and a desire to make a difference to lives of young people in need
  • Have patience, flexibility and be assertive about expectations and boundaries within the home environment, with a reasonable expectation of young people’s abilities
  • Understand that young people within this scheme are likely to have experienced many challenges and possibly trauma
  • A commitment to provide a supportive, encouraging and safe environment, especially when things do not go right for the young person
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Why become a provider?

If you have space in your home and would welcome some extra income it really is an opportunity to make a difference to a young person’s life.

You will be part of a team supporting young people and will be provided with training opportunities and the chance to develop new skills.

For some people, this experience can be a gateway to becoming a foster carer, for others it can be a way of continuing to support young people after ceasing to foster.

Others appreciate the flexibility that supporting young people over 16 years old who are more independent offers, in terms of their own lifestyle commitments. 

Steps to becoming a supported lodgings provider

We need to ensure that young people are matched with people who are safe, caring, responsible adults. Please be aware that the approval process can take up to five or six months from the time of your first home visit.

  • Step one: The team will visit your home to look at your property and talk about the scheme in more detail. This will give you with the opportunity to decide whether this is right for you.

  • Step two: If you meet the criteria, we require various safeguarding checks to be undertaken and an assessment to consider your suitability for the role, official local authority, health and DBS checks will be undertaken, along with references.

  • Step three: You and any members of the family who live with you will be assessed. An independent panel will decide whether you are suitable.

  • Step four: Once approved you will be sensitively matched to a young person who will suit your home environment and personal experiences. You and any members of the family who live with you will be assessed.

Financial Support

Payments are £780 per month in total and are paid weekly to supported lodgings providers.

This is paid through various sources, such as a young person’s contribution, including in some cases their rental costs and support payments from social services. 

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Contact

If you are curious and interested in learning more, please fill in our contact form and we will get back to you and start a conversation.

Enquiry Form
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Case Study

Cerys having previously been a foster carer became a supported lodgings provider for Bridgend County Borough Council, as supporting young people aged 16+ years old offered her more flexibility.

As a widow living on her own, Cerys enjoys sharing her home with young people, supporting them to learn independent living skills and offering advice and emotional support when needed.

Cerys describes many young people as being at a ‘fork in the road’ at 18 years old. She is keen to ensure they can focus on their education and/or employment whilst being in a stable and supportive environment. The experience of being part of a team and having clear boundaries has enabled care experienced young people to move on successfully with their lives.

Being a supported lodgings provider has offered Cerys many rewards, including feeling valued, providing her with extra income, companionship, and ongoing friendship with young people who have since moved on into their own accommodation. 

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