IF YOU GET on with teenagers, have a warm, patient nature, a sense of humour and a spare room, then a local scheme might be of interest to you.
People of all ages are being sought to provide lodgings, help and guidance for young people leaving foster care in Pembrokeshire.
The Supported Lodgings scheme is run by Pembrokeshire County Council.
Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Services, said it aimed to allow young people to develop the skills they need to make a success of living independently.
“Many young people who leave foster care or who can no longer stay at home are aged just 16 or 17,” she said. “Often, they’re just not ready to cope on their own.
“If you have a spare room in your house and a willingness to welcome a young person into your life, we would love to hear from you.
“You could make a positive difference to the life of a young person.”
The County Council is looking for a wide range of supported lodgings providers, as there are a range of young people needing lodgings.
Providers will receive £201 a week to cover the use of the room, heating, lighting and food. Young people receive their own personal allowance for basic needs such as toiletries. Clothing allowances are paid separately.
The young person will continue to be supported by the Local Authority and providers will have access to an experienced worker, and be in receipt of monthly supervision, ongoing support and assistance through appropriate training to develop their role.
At times the placement might be for a night or two, or sometimes for much longer.
Applications are welcome from families, couples, or single people from all backgrounds and ages; from those who are working or unemployed, and from home owners or council tenants.
“You might have already brought up children and having braved the teenage years, now have a wealth of experience and compassion to offer another young person,” said Tessa.
“Or perhaps you have a real empathy with young people and feel you are the right person to offer them support through a crucial stage in their life; their gateway to adulthood.
“As long as you have a spare room in your home, are in good health, have nothing in your background to suggest any young person in your care could be at risk of harm or abuse, then please get in touch.
“There are young people out there who need your help and you could make a difference.”
To find out what it’s like to be a Supported Lodgings provider, visit www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/supportedlodgings to view video clips of people talking about their experiences.
