A scheme run by Bath and North East Somerset Council that has supported hundreds of local 16 – 18-year-olds in need of a home has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The Supported Lodgings Scheme was celebrated at an event at The Guildhall in Bath earlier this month, along with the people who make it possible by opening up their homes.
Through the scheme, young people, who would otherwise be homeless or have moved on from foster care, are provided with a safe, secure and supportive home environment where they can develop essential independence skills for life.
Lodgings Providers and professional organisations who support young people attended the event, where the contribution they have made through welcoming vulnerable young people into their homes was recognised.
Three special awards for exceptional service will be given to:
Belinda, from Bath, has been a Lodgings Provider for six years, providing support to 10 young people, including one with multiple medical and mental health problems.
She is recognised for providing a supportive and safe environment above and beyond her duty.
“I really enjoy having young people in my home – helping them to stand on their own two feet and learn to cook, clean and budget,” said Belinda.
“At the end of their time with me, when they move into their own flats, I feel a real sense of achievement. It is challenging at times, but I treat them all as if they were my own children.
“They all come back to me and keep in touch – it’s like having an extended family.”
Judith and Charlotte, from Keynsham, were the first Lodgings Providers in the area to be assessed to support young people in their home.
Judith has supported 32 young people, including two who went on to university, thanks to her support.
Emma and David from Bath have supported 29 young people during their seven years as Lodgings Providers, the majority as emergency, short-term placements.
Sometimes they have had up to three young people in their home.
Each young person has developed necessary independence skills needed to help them move on.
Councillor Vic Pritchard (Conservative, Chew Valley South), Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, said: “Many young people aged 16 – 18, whether they are leaving care or whether they can no longer live at home, are just not ready to live on their own.
“The Supported Lodgings Scheme aims to help them develop the practical skills and emotional stability they will need to make the transition to adulthood and make a success of living independently – in short, to achieve their personal potential.
“The event is about celebrating the scheme and recognising the value it has brought to the lives of so many young people who would otherwise be homeless.
“We want to thank all the Lodgings Providers who have made it such a success and also appeal to anyone who thinks they might be able to provide supported lodgings to a young person to get in touch – we always need more people to work with us to provide this important service.”
Nicola Robinson-Quartey, Accommodation Officer with Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We began with just one placement in 2005, and we have now reached a total of 26 placements. Lodgings Providers all say that they find it a rewarding experience; they value the support they get from the team and recognise the importance of young people moving on in a planned way.”
You can find out more about becoming a supported lodgings provider at www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/housing/find-home/supported-lodgings or contact Nicola Robinson-Quartey for further information on 01225 477802.
