Over the course of November (2021) we undertook a series of Facebook Live sessions to give an overview of our supported lodgings scheme (Room to Spare). The headings and content of these sessions is given below.

1. The difference between supported lodgings and foster care

If you are in a position to provide a spare room for young people you may we wondering whether supported lodgings or foster care is the right option for you at this time. The main difference is that, in foster care, you are the legal guardian of the young person whereas with supported lodgings you are more of a trusted adult who is providing a safe place to stay. This has various implications for the level of support you are expected to give a young person and how it impacts your own time and commitments. An overview of the main differences is given in the table below.

2. The benefits of supported lodgings

Supported lodgings obviously has many benefits to young people giving them the stability and safety they need to make progress. However, it also has benefits to hosts and many describe the enriching experience of providing a home for a young person. We’ve summarised the benefits to both parties under the headings of ‘relationships’, ‘skills’, ‘stability and purpose’ and ‘new perspectives in the table below.

3. The support on offer for young people and hosts

Our aim at Concrete Rose is to provide a comprehensive and unparalleled level of support to both hosts and young people in order to make supported lodgings a rewarding, enjoyable and enriching experience for all. As a part of this we have listed six areas of support we give to both hosts and young people in the diagram below. If you would like a more thorough explanation of these categories please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

4. Who needs supported lodgings?

The young people who need supported lodgings can have a range of differing experiences and backgrounds. In essence they are young people who need a safe space to stay along with a little help and guidance. This may include young people facing homelessness, unaccompanied asylum seeking children, young mums, young dads, care leavers, refugees, and those fleeing domestic abuse and violence. As a part of this session we shared Sarah’s story which you can find here: https://concreterose.co.uk/if-only-sarahs-story/

The YouTube videos below give two additional accounts of young people needing supported lodgings:

• Olivia’s Story
• Dong’s Story