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Staffordshire County Council Encourages Families to Open Their Homes to Young People in Need

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Youngs, who have been hosting with Staffordshire County Council for three years, have given a local child a place to call home and learn essential life skills. They are now urging other families to consider becoming supported lodgings hosts, providing a safe and nurturing environment for young people aged 16 to 19 to build independence and learn life skills. The couple emphasizes the rewards of hosting, noting that they are supported by a coordinator and have access to training, and that the commitment is not long-term as young people stay only until they are ready for independent living.

Key Takeaways:

  • Staffordshire County Council is encouraging families to become supported lodgings hosts for young people aged 16 to 19, providing a safe and nurturing environment to build independence and learn life skills.
  • Hosts, like the Youngs, receive support from a coordinator and have access to training to help them care for the young people.
  • The commitment to hosting is not long-term, as young people stay only until they are ready for independent living.
  • The Youngs have been hosting for three years and have cared for two young people so far.
  • The couple emphasizes the rewards of hosting, noting that many young people arrive without family support and that it is incredibly rewarding to offer them a safe and welcoming home.
  • Anyone interested in becoming a supported lodgings host with Staffordshire County Council can find out more at [Supported Lodgings in Staffordshire](http://) or by calling 0800 169 2061.
  • Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, notes that people from all walks of life can become hosts, and that hosting is a great way to make a difference in the community.

Statistics:

  • The Youngs have cared for two young people for three years.
  • The supported lodgings program is hoping to encourage more local families to become hosts.
  • Contact the team at Staffordshire County Council to start the hosting process.

Sources:

  • Martin and Bev Young from Stafford are supported lodgings hosts with Staffordshire County Council.
  • Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council.
  • Supported Lodgings in Staffordshire (http://).

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