Providing Supported Lodgings has been a great choice for our family

Kirsty Edwards, age 43, lives in Parkstone near Poole, and has been a Supported Lodgings provider for three years.

Thomas* came to live with her three years ago, after arriving in the country at age 16 as an unaccompanied child.

Originally from Africa, he has lived with Kirsty and her family for the past three years and has built a great relationship with her birth children – two boys, now aged 11 and 13.

Kirsty was a single parent who worked, and opening her home to a teenager worked well with her lifestyle as she could provide the level of care needed for an older child who is more independent.

Her mum provided Supported Lodgings for 10 years which also inspired Kirsty to make the decision and she felt it would be beneficial for her children to have an older teenager in the home.

Kirsty said, “He's really found his feet while living with us and is very much a part of the family.

“Although there have been cultural differences between us, the boys all get on well. My children and I have been able to support him as he’s adjusted to life in the UK.

Supported Lodging helps young people find their feet as they transition to adulthood and allows them to develop key life skills in a safe and loving home environment. Now aged 19, Thomas is ready for the next step, and importantly he has Kirsty and her family behind him for support.

Kirsty said, “It has been wonderful watching him grow and his English has developed so quickly. When he arrived at 16 it was important that I set boundaries, like with any teenager, but over time some of these have been relaxed as he has grown up.

“He can sometimes be quite stubborn, and it has been great to see him listen to advice, then go away and reflect on it, before coming to his own informed decisions. He is ready for the next step now, and we are here to help him if he needs us.”

We asked Kirsty what she would say to someone considering becoming a Supported Lodgings provider, she said; “Make sure your family is on-board and that Supported Lodgings will fit with your family set-up. I have found the experience really rewarding. It is wonderful to watch them grow and find their feet.”

Dorset Council is looking for more people to open their hearts and homes to young people aged between 16-25 who are leaving our care.

Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help, said: 

“We want all our children and young people to have the best start in life and be prepared for adulthood. Supported Lodgings provides a stepping stone that gives a young person leaving care the opportunity to develop key skills to take into adulthood.

“By opening your home to a young person and providing Supported Lodgings, you will be making an enormous difference to a young person’s life and will still have time for work and other important activities.

“If you have a spare room and would like to make a difference to a young person’s life, get in touch.”  

Could you provide Supported Lodgings?

If you want to make a difference and help a young person, aged between 16-25, then Supported Lodgings could be a great option.

By opening your heart and home to a person leaving care, you will be helping them to find their feet as they journey into adulthood.

Many people combine Supported Lodgings with a busy career or lifestyle as the young person living with you will not require full-time care. But like fostering, you will know you are making a big difference. 

All Dorset Council Supported Lodgings providers receive:

• Training and support
• A weekly payment
• Financial help towards living costs

If you have a spare room and would like to make a difference to a young person’s life, get in touch at Supported lodgings - Dorset Council