Local charity calls for hosts during national supported lodgings week

Youth homelessness is on the rise in the UK, but local charity Step by Step offers a powerful and personal way to make a difference.

Supported Lodgings provides a vital lifeline for young people aged 16 to 21 who are at risk of homelessness. Providing more than just a roof over their heads, it offers a stable home environment and trusted, caring mentorship at a pivotal moment in their lives. Young people are placed with fully trained hosts, who support and guide them on their journey toward independence.

As part of the first ever National Supported Lodgings Week (9th–16th November), launched by Host the Future, Step by Step is calling on the people of Southampton to open their hearts and homes to young people facing homelessness.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the Supported Lodgings model and inspire more people to become hosts.

“Our young people are true heroes; overcoming trauma, isolation, and instability. But behind every hero is someone who cares,” says Debbie Moreton, CEO of Step by Step.

“That’s where Supported Lodgings hosts come in. They provide a stable, safe environment and the encouragement young people need to thrive.”
Step by Step is the leading provider of Supported Lodgings in the UK and the first service of its kind to receive Ofsted accreditation.

In the past year alone, the charity accommodated 251 young people across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and West Sussex. Of those supported, 83% showed positive progression, and 70% were in education, training, or employment during their placement.

To mark National Supported Lodgings Week, Step by Step will be exhibiting at The Marlands, Southampton on Friday 14th November. Local residents are encouraged to stop by for a chat; there’s no pressure, just an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the difference hosting can make.

Step by Step is currently seeking new hosts in Southampton who have a spare room and a desire to change a young person’s life. Hosts receive a weekly allowance, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, along with the immense reward of seeing a young person thrive under their care.

To learn more about National Supported Lodgings Week, or about how you could transform a young person’s life, visit:
www.stepbystep.org.uk/national-supported-lodgings-week