Supported Lodgings provides a “stepping stone” to independent living, with the young person living with a family in Doncaster. The young person has their own bedroom and shares bathroom and kitchen facilities.
The families who make a room available in their home are called “Host providers” and they support the young person to develop life skills so that they can go on to live independently. Each young person is also supported by a DHYP Project Worker and has a tailored support plan that is focused on achieving the goals set by the young person themselves.
Clients living in Supported Lodgings may typically have left care or are unable to remain at home. As with other DHYP services, the Supported Lodgings service is aimed at young people who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness.
The support we provide includes the following:
- Life skills training
- Budgeting and managing your money
- Living independently
- Welfare benefits advice
- Support to access education, training and employment
- Advocacy (representing you)
- Referrals to other agencies for advice and support
Support can be for up to 12 months, but may be for less than this, or sometimes longer, depending on the needs of the individual young person.
The affordability of the service is a key consideration and the rents are set at the local housing allowance rate (currently £55.12 per week). There is also a £10.00 per week service charge covering heating and other utilities.
The young person does their own cooking, but is supported by the Host provider to develop cooking skills, including how to eat healthily on a limited budget.
