Help a young person adapt to adulthood

Derbyshire County Council is looking for caring residents to help young people leaving care achieve their full potential.

The council’s supported lodgings scheme helps young people leaving care become fully independent.

It’s for 16-21-year-olds who need a range of support and guidance from an adult they can trust.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale, said: “As a supported lodgings provider you will be helping a young person on their path to independence by providing a loving and caring environment for them to grow.

“Moving into the adult world can be a challenging time for our care leavers, you will be helping them to feel safe whilst offering emotional support and a stability in their lives.

“Young people leaving care still need to learn life skills and have the opportunity to learn practical skills such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and learning to manage a budget. You will be giving them an opportunity to transform their lives for the better.”

Supported lodgings providers don’t need any special qualifications, they just need a spare room and:

• Be aged 21 or over with no upper age limit
• Go through a few initial checks before they are assessed
• Have some experience of caring for young people

The council will consider supported lodgings providers who are:

• Of any sexual orientation or gender identity
• Married, single, in a civil partnership, living with a partner, divorced or widowed
• A home-owner or renting
• Of any religion or no religion
• Employed or not working
• Of any ethnicity
• Disabled
• With or without children already

Providers will receive guidance and support from a local Supported Lodgings Coordinator, relevant training and a competitive package of financial support.

To find out more and apply visit Derbyshire.gov.uk/supportedlodgings