Oxfordshire Supported Lodgings
The Oxfordshire Supported Lodgings Scheme aims to provide supported accommodation to (vulnerable) Young People (in housing need) aged between 16-25.
The objectives of the Supported Lodgings Scheme are:
To provide good quality housing that meets the needs of the Young People as they enter adulthood
To provide a safe learning environment in which Young People can develop the skills necessary for adult life
To coordinate holistic support for Young People, in enabling them to take responsibility for themselves
What is Supported Lodgings?
Oxfordshire Supported Lodgings provides a young person with a room of their own in a private home where they are a member of the household, but are not expected to become a member of the family. The householder, known as a Host, provides a safe and supportive environment, working alongside professional services to empower the young person to develop their life skills and prepare them for independent adult life.
The Oxfordshire Supported Lodgings scheme is characterised by its intended purpose to provide -
| 1. More settled supported accommodation | A Young Person who has no safe, settled home is placed in Supported Lodgings for up to two years, with a support plan to develop the skills necessary and prepare them for independent adult life. |
| 2. Move on accommodation | A Young Person who is ready for and needs greater independence than their current living situation is placed in Supported Lodgings for up to two years, with a support plan to develop the skills necessary and prepare them for independent adult life. |
The majority of our young people are aged 16-18 and Supported Lodging is predominantly beneficial to ‘younger young people’.
Oxfordshire Supported Lodging has been able to support and accommodate young people with complex and multiple needs. However, Supported Lodgings are not suitable for all young people, for example those who have few boundaries to their behavior or who want the freedom and anonymity of other settings, and/or who are not willing to take responsibility for their own life skills development and progression towards independence.
For those who meet the criteria, Supported Lodgings has proven to improve the Young Person’s outcomes significantly. On most outcome indicators, a higher percentage of young people (aged 16 to 21) supported through Supported Lodgings achieve positive outcomes within the five Every Child Matters framework, than those supported in three other types of provision.
What do people say about Supported Lodgings?
"I think Supported Lodgings is really helpful for Young People like me. It is a step closer towards being independent. The host that I am living with is nice and supportive, it is a family and friendly environment, it is an opportunity for me to learn independent skills like cooking, shopping and spending money wisely.”
Zia Amiri – Young Person
“Being a Supported Lodgings has afforded me the unique opportunity to make a invaluable contribution to the lives of young People and the community as a whole.”
Joan Young - host.
“A fantastic scheme that provides a supportive environment for young people so that they are able to have stability and help to achieve their potential.”
Jonathon Crew, Housing Options, Oxford City Council.
“Being a Supported Lodgings Host is testing and requires love, dedication and skills. It has enabled us to play an important role in supporting a disadvantaged Young Person; we enjoy helping them to make successful transition into independent, adult life.”
Angelina & Phillip Abayateyes - host.
Further information
Information for potential Supported Lodgings Hosts click here ►
Information for young people click here ►
Information for agencies click here ►
Additional enquiries contact Roz Denson – Supported Lodgings Manager (01865 323104), or email.
BYHP’s Oxfordshire Supported Lodgings is a service offering a multi-agency approach to tackling youth homelessness in Oxfordshire. The key partners are Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Cherwell District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and Supporting People.
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