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Being a host means opening your home to a young person aged 16 to 20, offering a safe and nurturing environment where they can build independence and learn essential life skills. Hosts guide young people in practical tasks like cooking, cleaning and managing money, while also encouraging their education or training as they prepare for adulthood. Lynne became a supported lodgings host when her own children had left home and is now encouraging other people to come forward. Lynne said: “I’ve been well matched with the young people who live with me. That was an important part of the process. “To be a host you don’t need a background of working with young people, you need to have time for them and be able to support them but not feel you are going to overpower them. It’s about them getting their own independence skills, not about you being their carer. “And you are never on your own. As a host, the team are there to support you if you need it.” Staffordshire County Council is highlighting the need for more hosts as part of the first-ever National Supported Lodgings Week, from 9 to 16 November. Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said: “All sorts of people from all walks of life can become a host and our latest campaign is hoping to encourage more local families to consider joining us. "People who want to host simply need to have a spare bedroom, good communication skills and want to support local young people. If this sounds like you and you’re looking to make a real difference then please get in touch with the team and start the process.” Anyone interested in becoming a supported lodgings host with Staffordshire County Council can find out more on the Supported Lodgings webpage or by calling 0800 169 2061.
