A call for more residents to provide vulnerable young people with a safe and supportive home environment they may never have had before in their lives is being made by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Residents who think they could welcome a young person into their family and help them develop independence and life skills are being asked to consider joining the council’s Supported Lodgings Scheme as a provider.

The scheme is for sixteen to 25-year-olds who are homeless or leaving care, who need a stable family home where they can develop the skills they need to live on their own in the future.

Supported Lodgings providers are trained and given ongoing support by the council’s social care team, along with a weekly fee, in return for a room in their home and supporting the young person as much as they can.

Families, people living alone and people employed or not employed are equally welcomed to become providers.

They do not need to own their home, but must have a clean and comfortable room available.

Supported Lodgings differs from fostering as the focus is on developing the young person’s independence, not providing constant supervision and care.

The Supported Lodgings scheme will celebrate its 15th anniversary this summer. It has supported around 140 young people across Bath and North East Somerset and has received over 300 referrals.

Providers receive around £170 per week and residents within Bath and North East Somerset also benefit from reduced council tax. They are given ongoing support, supervision and training. More information can be found at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ services/housing/find-home /supported-lodgings

Anyone interested in becoming a provider is invited to email: supported_lodgings@ bathnes.gov.uk or call the team on: 01225 395023.