Northern Trust appeals for supported lodgings hosts to help transform young lives

Supported lodgings/STAY host Dave Adams (right) with the Northern Trust’s STAY and Community Living Senior Practitioner, Robert Fulton.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is appealing for people across the community to consider becoming supported lodgings/STAY (Supported Transition and Accommodation for Young people) hosts, offering a safe and secure home environment for young people aged 16 to 21.

The scheme is designed to provide stability, guidance and encouragement for young people as they prepare for independence and adulthood.

Robert Fulton, a STAY and Community Living Senior Practitioner with the Northern Trust, explained the vital role hosts play:

“STAY acts as a stepping stone for these young people because they don’t quite have the independent skills they need to live on their own as yet.

“Our hosts are people who have life experience and can offer that to a young person for up two years as they prepare for fully independent living.

“The young people we work with often have limited family support for a variety of reasons but they all deserve an opportunity. We know there are people within our local communities who can give that to them and we really want to hear from them.”

A rewarding experience for hosts and young people

Supported lodgings/STAY host Dave Adams (right) with the Northern Trust’s STAY and Community Living Senior Practitioner, Robert Fulton.

Dave Adams, who currently provides supported lodgings with his family, said the decision was both practical and life-changing:

“We had a spare bedroom and we thought how could we put it to good use? We looked at different programmes and when we saw supported lodgings / STAY we thought that it was something that could work for us. It allowed us flexibility as it was going to be a young person who wasn’t going to be dependent on us full-time and it allowed us to continue with our jobs.”

For Eve, the young person living with the Adams family, the experience has been transformative:

“I’ve been able to open up and be around people who actually want to care and support me. The hosts have gave me a good loving home, and fun and laughter. They are genuine, lovely people who care.”

Reflecting on Eve’s journey, Dave said:

“The journey that we have been on with Eve over the past two years has been great to see. From the start when we would have provided quite a bit of support to now, with the training wheels off. She has found her own independence.”

Support for hosts

Supported lodgings hosts receive weekly financial support to help cover rent, food and utilities. They also benefit from specialist training, ongoing visits and regular contact with the Trust to ensure they feel equipped to meet the needs of young people, including those leaving care or young refugees.

The young people themselves receive wrap-around support from a multi-professional team to help them thrive.

The Northern Trust is encouraging anyone with a spare room and the willingness to make a difference to find out more.

To learn more about becoming a host, visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net, call 0800 0720 137, or email hello@adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net.