Supported Lodgings

What is Supported Lodgings?

The Supported Lodgings Service is run by Arch, a voluntary organisation, based in Stoke on Trent. It was developed in response to an identified need to provide an alternative type of accommodation within the Stoke on Trent area for young people with a housing need.

Accommodation is provided by host families; people who are willing to provide a room in their home to a young person and allow them access to communal areas within the home. Hosts do not have parental responsibility for, or charge of the young person but are expected to take an interest in their welfare and progress.

Arch has a duty to ensure that Supported Lodgings hosts can offer a safe and supportive environment therefore prospective hosts will undergo a comprehensive assessment process including; personal, relationship, motivation, accommodation, health and safety assessments and a Criminal Records Bureau check for every adult over the age of 18 who lives at the property. A panel then make a decision as to whether a host is approved or not.

Once a host is approved, there is a matching process in order to place a young person, which involves all parties to ensure the greatest chance of success of the placement.

Each placement will be subject to written agreements between the host, the young person and the Supported Lodgings service and will be regularly monitored and reviewed. The placement can last for anything up to two years.

What are the aims of Supported Lodgings?

The aim of supported lodgings is to support young people who are not ready to live independently and require support to develop independent living skills.

Young People - Group

Click here if you're a young person

Click here if you are interested in becoming a host

There are a number of ways in which a young person can be placed in a host family

Matching - Arch will recruit and train hosts and then, once approved, we will match the young person with the most appropriate family

Foster Carers - young people who are currently living with a foster carer and wish to remain following their 18th birthday. The foster placement can be converted to a supported lodgings placement enabling the young person to remain settled and continue to receive support.

Kith and Kin - where a young person is no longer able to live in their family home but has a relative/family friend who can accommodate them with the necessary ongoing support.

How do you refer young people to the service?

Referrals can be made by anyone including the young person themselves or an organisation working with a young person.

If you would like more information about Supported Lodgings or how this service can support a young person, please contact:

Julie Harvey Supported Lodgings Manager
Mobile. 07887 770791
Direct Dial. 01782 683773
Email. supportedlodgings@archnorthstaffs.org.uk