Supported lodgings offer young people an opportunity to benefit from the supported atmosphere of a family home. Steps Supported Lodgings (SSL) helps young people aged 16-25 who are homeless/at risk of experiencing housing difficulties or who are transitioning to living independently. SSL aims to help develop positive relationships and effective support mechanisms for you and the hosts/householders who accommodate you. SSL provides stable, settled and supportive accommodation for you where you can develop your skills as you move towards independence.

SSL is designed to ensure you receive consistent adult support which is tailored to meet your specific needs. Young people are referred to SHAP's Steps project through various agencies and services, such as social services, schools, colleges or training providers. During the referral we attempt to find out as much as we can about your background. This background information will help us to find a suitable match with a host/householder.

You will be allocated a support co-coordinator who will look at your individual support needs. A support plan is produced to enable the service to address and monitor your needs. The support plan will include things like help with benefit claims, engaging with further education, training or careers advice. The Steps project worker will maintain regular contact with the you and the host/householder throughout the duration of the scheme.

SHAP will undertake recruitment, selection, assessment, vetting and approval of hosts/carers, their accommodation and capacity to work with you in an unsupervised home environment. SHAP will also provide general skills development, training and sharing of best practice events for hosts/householders.

For more information you can speak to your Social Worker, Personal Adviser or SHAP on 01744 454 056.