Throughout the month of August, North Lincolnshire Council’s fostering team are shining a spotlight on supported lodgings hosts, who provide a room in their home and offer day-to-day guidance for young people aged 16 to 24—helping them build essential life skills like cooking, managing money, applying for jobs, and continuing education.
A North Lincolnshire host reflects on the impact of supported lodgings and call for more people to get involved: “Becoming a supported lodgings host has enriched my life, with relationships I now have with both the young people.”
Another host has spoken of the joy and pride they feel when young people they’ve supported stay in touch: “Connecting with a young person and transitioning them to independence is an amazing opportunity and extends my family.”
Just like any teenager preparing for adulthood, our young people need guidance, encouragement, and a supportive home environment to help them make the transition to independence.
One young person shared: “I think it’s important that we have supported lodgings hosts because there’s not a lot of people that do it. I feel like if more people did it and open their mind to these kind of things, the world would be a much better place.”
Cllr Julie Reed, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Communities, said: “Our supported lodgings scheme is a vital part of our commitment to ensuring that our young people in care receive the same level of care and support as any other child.
“We are incredibly proud of the young people in North Lincolnshire, our foster carers, and the dedicated hosts who open their homes and hearts to help others. This is more than just offering a room – it’s being a positive role model and a supportive influence for these young people to truly trust.
“Supported lodgings offer stability, encouragement, and the skills young people need to thrive.”
Community events are taking place throughout August to find out more:
- Ongo Carnival | Scunthorpe | 6 August | 11am – 3.30pm
- Epworth Community Hub | 14 August | 11am – 2pm
- Brigg Family Hub | 21 August | 11am – 2pm
- Scunthorpe Pride | Church Square | 23 August | 12pm – 7pm
- Goxhill Street Boot | Goxhill Church | 30 August | 11am – 3pm
Additionally, visit the Supported Lodgings webpage, watch the campaign video on the North Lincolnshire Council’s YouTube channel, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk, or call 01724 297024 to find out more.
