Information evening will help explain the valuable role of supported lodgings carers

Managing money, cooking, working out what career to choose are all part of growing up. But what support is out there if you've been in care or have no family to support you?
 
Wiltshire Council is encouraging people who have a spare room to consider offering supported lodgings for young people aged 16 - 25 who need that support to help prepare them for adulthood and independence.
 
Sarah, a supported lodgings carer since last year explains how it has worked out for her: "Having a young person here fills the house with fun, we laugh a lot and I'm here when needed but not all the time. My young person is very independent. If anybody is considering being a host for Wiltshire Council for older teenagers and young adults I would highly recommend it."
 
Young people who need supported lodgings may have been in foster care or have arrived in Wiltshire from another country without any family support. Supported lodgings carers provide accommodation and supports the young person to acquire the necessary skills needed to make the transition from childhood to adulthood; skills such as budgeting, cooking, household tasks, and education and employment.
Supported lodgings carers come from all walks of life and backgrounds. People can be married, single or living as a couple. People do not need to own their own house and they can be in full time employment and still provide supported lodgings.
Supported lodgings carers are people who:

• Have a spare room
• Enjoy working with teenagers
• Are willing to provide a young person with some practical and emotional support
• Are caring and understanding

 Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: "We are grateful to our supported lodgings carers as they provide practical and also emotional support as young people become young adults ready to take on the world.

"We are fortunate to have people like Sarah who have made a huge difference to a young person's life and we hope her experience will encourage more people to come forward. I would encourage anyone who is interested to join our information session to find out more."
 
The information session to explain more about being a supported lodgings carer will be held on Tuesday 16 February at 7.30pm and people can join via this link.  
 
There is ongoing support for the carer and the young person and training is also provided. The young person will also have a personal adviser to help and support them during their time with the carer.
 
Supported lodgings carers are paid an allowance of £204.20 each week in their role providing accommodation and support to the young person. Before being registered there will be interviews and checks and support will be offered.
 
To find out more you can text "foster" to 60002, call on 0800 1696321 or email fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk. 
 
You can also find out more general information on fostering here.
 
You can listen to Sarah's video here
You can listen to Steph talk about supported lodgings here.