Can you provide a home for a young person in need?
We are looking for people to provide temporary housing for young people in need. You’ll receive a weekly allowance of £150 to £200, as well as comprehensive training and support.
The young people
The young people who need help are either leaving care or are homeless. They are aged 16 or older, and need somewhere temporary to live. This can be anything between two weeks and two years.
How you can help
You could help if you:
- have a spare room in your house
- have excellent communication skills
- can work as part of a team of professionals
- can work with young people in an empowering way (for example, helping them learn to cook and live on a budget)
- could support young people becoming independent (making their own decisions and taking responsibility for themselves)
- are committed to anti-discriminatory practice.
This will form part of the Approved Lodgings Scheme run by NCH, the children’s charity. NCH are contracted by us to provide this help.
How we match you with a young person
If a young person needs housing, we will give you background information about them before you decide whether you feel they would make a suitable match. The next step is to meet them.
We offer the young person a choice of who they would like to stay with. We consider who they are best matched to, taking into account your skills and experience, working hours, household members and location.
Once the initial meeting has taken place, we discuss a second meeting at your home. A move date is then agreed. In some cases, we can arrange extra visits, allowing you to have an evening meal with them or letting them stay over for one night before placement begins.
Benefits, training and support
In return for giving a young person a place to live, NCH will provide you with a weekly allowance of £150 to £200, a comprehensive support system, and full training.
You have a key support worker who is your main point of contact. They attend support meetings with you and the young person. This is an opportunity to try and work out any difficulties you or the young person may be having.
You can also attend monthly training courses, on areas such as substance misuse, mental health, sexual health and first aid. You also have access to a 24-hour telephone number for help and support whenever you feel you need to.
If I am a young person, how can I apply to be housed?
If you are interested, speak to your social worker or Youth Support Team Personal Advisor.
Who runs this scheme?
The scheme is run by NCH, the children’s charity. They help children, young people and families through nearly 500 projects across the UK.
To find out more
Contact NCH if you feel you can help a young person.
NCH Youth Support Services,
5 Brittany Road,
St Leonards-on-sea,
East Sussex,
TN38 0RA.
Tel: 01424 446244
Email: bianca.jones@nch.org.uk
