Foster Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council’s fostering service, is marking the first National Supported Lodgings Week (9-16 November) with a dedicated drop-in event and local campaign to raise awareness of the service and the urgent need for more Supported Lodgings carers in and around the city.
Supported Lodgings provides accommodation and a minimum of 10 hours a week support to young people up to the age of 24 taking their first steps into independence.
Some young people in Portsmouth need emotional support, encouragement, and a safe place to live. They might be leaving foster care, unable to stay with family, or seeking safety and asylum. What they need is a stepping stone to help them move into adulthood.
Supported Lodgings is a bit like fostering, but the young person is more independent. They can usually get themselves to college, training, or work. That means carers can still work and have more flexibility, while still making a big difference in a young person’s life by helping them learn to live on their own.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“We’re looking for individuals, couples, or families who understand the challenges young people face today.”
“If you can offer support to help them build confidence and learn key life skills, like cooking, washing, or budgeting, help them seek education, training or employment, and ultimately find a home of their own, you could make a real difference.”
For those interested in Supported Lodgings, a drop-in event will take place on Thursday 13 November from 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 7pm at The Greenhouse Community Hub in Victoria Park. People will be able to discover more about the unique nature of the service and have any of their queries answered by our experienced team and, in the evening session, they can meet an existing Supported Lodgings carer.
Supported Lodgings carer Helen believes it’s a brilliant option for people who want to make a difference but may not be able to commit to full-time fostering:
“There are so many young people who really need that support. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Another of our Supported Lodgings carers Tamara added:
“The way I see it, Supported Lodgings helps set them up for success.”
We’re looking for people to step forward to be a young person’s inspiration and mentor to help them get off on the right start to a successful independent life.
People can enquire or arrange a one-to-one with one of our experienced team or an existing Supported Lodgings carer by calling 023 9283 4071 or emailing fostering@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. They can find out more about the service, watch a short video and listen to our Supported Lodgings podcast at: www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk/supported-lodgings-week.