WORCESTERSHIRE’S charity is calling on people with a spare room to join its Home-2-Home supported lodgings scheme.
This programme places young people aged 16-18 who have experienced family breakdowns into the homes of host families.
St Basil’s is looking for hosts across the whole of Worcestershire, Solihull and Coventry.
Jonathan Crust, St Basils Home-2-Home and Supported Lodgings manager, said: “Supported Lodgings is a really great way for people who have a spare room and a caring heart to make a difference in the lives of young people.
“We are careful about who we place with Hosts as most of our Hosts are working, retired, and we also have Hosts with younger children.
“Being a Host should have minimal impact on people’s own lives, but they can make a huge impact on others. Providing a safe and homely environment for a young person can be a rewarding experience.
“Many of our Hosts continue to remain in contact with young people after they have moved on and are living independently.
“St Basils helps to prepare people for the role, providing full training for Hosts, and young people are provided with support from staff whilst residing with them.”
There is no professional experience needed to become a host and receive £140 per week while a young person is placed with them.
A Senior Manager of Children’s Services at WCC said: “Supported Lodging hosts provide a valuable stepping stone for our care-experienced young people.
“They offer the chance to test out independence with the right support before these young people negotiate the adult world of living on their own for the first time in their lives.
“Supported Lodgings hosts enrich our young people’s lives, and we have seen this reciprocated by our young people forming trusting relationships that matter to both the host and the young person.”
