More people are needed to host teenagers who are leaving the care system in Cornwall.
Under Cornwall Council’s Supported Lodgings Scheme, residents and families with a spare room can take in a young person aged 16-19 and help them become more independent and confident.
In return they are paid rent and a contribution towards utility bills and the support they provide.
There are currently more than 370 teenagers aged between 16 and 19 in the care system in Cornwall.
Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, said:
“Supported Lodgings hosts play a crucial role in helping our young people in care go on to become independent, confident and capable adults. Of course, it can be a challenging experience, but it is also an extremely rewarding and exciting one too.
“It is a key priority of ours to make Cornwall a brilliant place to be a child and grow up so ensuring our children in care receive the right help and support at every step of their journey into adulthood is vital.
“If you care about young people and can offer them the support and guidance to become the best possible version of themselves then please get in touch and enquire about being a host.”
Jack, 25, a care leaver who lived with a Supported Lodgings host for two years from the age of 17, said:
“At first it was a bit daunting as I hadn't had to deal with so many responsibilities or rely on myself so much. But once I developed a routine and I started doing all the shopping myself, getting myself to college, it got so much easier, and I managed to build up a lot of self-confidence and realise that I can do things.
"I wasn't particularly easy to deal with but the way that she [my host] was nudging me, I felt like I was on the same ground as her. It never felt like she was pushing me, it felt like she was not holding my hand but being right beside me. She had a profound impact on my life.”
David Pettigrew, a Supported Lodgings host who has looked after eight teenagers, said:
"It gives these young people a start or the stability perhaps that they maybe haven't had. If I can give that to them and they can progress until they leave when they're 18 and be able to just be independent, then I think that's a good job for me and certainly a great start for them."
Key Highlights of the Supported Lodgings Scheme include:
- Support and Guidance: hosts offer practical life skills, training and emotional support, helping young people transition to independent living.
- A Safe Space: we work with hosts to ensure their homes are safe and welcoming, providing a stable environment where young people can feel secure and supported.
- Encouragement and Mentorship: hosts act as mentors, encouraging young people to develop their skills and confidence.
- Collaboration with Services: hosts work closely with Social Workers, Personal Advisors, support workers, and other professionals to ensure the young person's needs are met.
- Training and Development: hosts receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to equip them with the skills needed to effectively support young people.
The scheme has a newly introduced tiered support structure, similar to the one used for in-house foster carers. It means hosts who provide higher levels of support hours to young people to meet their identified needs receive higher financial compensation.
To enquire about becoming a host call 01872 324229 or email 16plusSLSenquiries@cornwall.gov.uk
For more information visit the Supported Lodgings Scheme webpage on the council’s website.
Press release issued on February 27, 2025.