PRESTON'S SUPPORTED LODGINGS SCHEME
Supported Lodgings Information
SUPPORTED LODGINGS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
INTRODUCTION
Preston's Supported Lodgings Scheme works in partnership with Barnardos to provide young people aged 16-25 with accommodation in the local community.
The Scheme relies totally on the lodging providers, who are accepted on the Scheme after undergoing a detailed assessment. This assessment includes Criminal Record Bureau checks and checks with the applicant's GP. A home study is compiled and a report is written. The assessment is then presented to an Approvals Panel.
The young people joining the scheme are encouraged to gain independence whilst living within a caring and supportive environment with our lodgings providers.
SUPPORTED LODGINGS PHILOSOPHY
Preston's Supported Lodgings philosophy endeavours to promote equal opportunities for young people to live independent lives.
Supported Lodgings exists to encourage, support and empower young people as they mature and develop.
The young people will be treated with respect and dignity in all aspects of their lives. This will be demonstrated by listening to their views, encouraging them to make choices and upholding their right to have a private life.
We will encourage the young people to maintain existing relationships and develop new ones, whether this is with neighbours, friends or peers at work or college or within their social life.
We will encourage the young people to develop day to day living skills, leading to a greater degree of independence, which includes their being able to make choices about, and take control of, their own lives.
THE ROLE OF THE SUPPORTED LODGINGS PROVIDER
Each provider will of course be very individual but the common areas of support expected for young people are: -
Help with:
Handling money
Initially getting to work/college on time
Developing a social life
Learning basic household tasks
Home security and safety
Registering with a doctor and dentist
Emotional support
There will be times when extra emotional support may be needed along with advice and guidance during a stressful period, such as adjusting to living away from home.
Some providers may have small children and so house rules will take into account their needs. Some will have strong views about a guest staying overnight. The young person needs to be aware of the provider’s views and the placement agreement, which will be drawn up, will reflect this.
Sometimes the young person will confide their private thoughts and feelings. At such times they have a right to have their confidentiality respected. If advice is needed this can be sought from the Supported Lodgings Worker. There will be exceptions to keeping confidentiality, which relate to situations which puts the young person at risk or poses a risk to others. Immediate advice will need to be given.
Providers sometimes see themselves in a “parenting role” and the young people develop sound relationships, which offers them security. Equally they are encouraged to assert themselves and make their own decisions and choices about their lives. Providers will give them support as they learn sometimes by their mistakes.
WHO CAN APPLY TO BE A SUPPORTED LODGINGS PROVIDER?
We are looking for people who:
Have a spare room, which is a reasonable size to be used as a bed sitting room.
Are able to provide breakfasts and evening meals shared responsibility with the young person.
Have time to give in supporting a young person learning to be independent.
Have a commitment towards equality of opportunity for young people.
Are willing to share their home with a young person.
Enjoy the company of young people.
What’s in it for you?
An opportunity to make a positive contribution towards providing young people with a chance to develop a level of independence
Opportunities to provide life experiences.
Opportunities to attend training which will add to your skills
Personal satisfaction and reward as you see a young person progress towards maturity.
Financial reward.
SUPPORTED LODGINGS PLACEMENT – STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
- Young people are required to clean own bedroom at least weekly and to keep it reasonably tidy at all times.
- Young people are required to launder bedding and clothing on a weekly in consultation with the provider.
- There is an expectation that young people will maintain a suitable level of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
- Either parties to notify of any change in circumstances affecting the placement.
- Young people will need to have a strong commitment to the placement including working co-operatively with others to gain and improve their level of skills.
- There is an expectation that staff and young people will keep any appointments made and that young people will also keep any necessary appointments with other helping agencies.
- Barnardos is a no smoking environment. Although this policy does not cover the homes of providers it is requested that at least one
room in the home provide a no-smoking environment.
BACKGROUND TO SUPPORTED LODGINGS
What are Supported Lodgings?
Supported Lodgings is a scheme which enables homeless young people, aged 16-25, to be offered accommodation in a home environment. This accommodation is provided by people who feel they are able to offer a room in their homes, along with some level of support, to a vulnerable group of young people.
Supported Lodgings are therefore a distinctive alternative to traditional hostel provision and other institutional forms of accommodation.
How and when did Supported Lodgings begin?
Both local authorities and voluntary sector agencies have, over a number of years, recognised that people leaving institutional forms of accommodation, including local authority care, are often vulnerable and have not had the opportunity to develop all the skills needed in order to live independently. However, it must also be acknowledged that there are many young people who have never been in the care system but nevertheless find themselves, for one reason or another, with little or no support.
Who is responsible for the running of Supported Lodgings?
Preston's Supported Lodgings Scheme operates under the shared responsibility of an independent charity called Preston Nightstop and Barnardos. The day to day running of the scheme is undertaken by the project workers, administrator and Supported Lodgings providers.
What service does the project offer?
Providers of Supported Lodgings offer a room, which is for the sole use of the young person, in their home. The accommodation is typically provided on a time-limited mid-term basis (this is in agreement with all parties) in a supportive environment; thus enabling the young person “breathing space” and the opportunity to develop the skills appropriate to independent living.
Support for the young person comes from the lodgings provider as well as project workers, social workers and any other agencies with which the young person may be involved.
How do I become a provider?
Due to the nature of the scheme there is a carefully planned, comprehensive selection and assessment procedure – all prospective providers will be required to undergo Criminal Record Bureau checks, and agree to doctor’s references as well as any other checks deemed appropriate by the project.
–Volunteer co-ordinator will make a minimum of three visits to the home of providers, during which information will be gathered and any concerns and queries can be raised.
–A training programme has been developed by the project. Attending the training sessions will form a necessary part of the selection and continued through the retention processes.
–The timescale for completing this procedure is envisaged to be approximately three/four months and may be longer in some circumstances.
What financial support is there?
A fee will be paid to providers by Preston Nightstop. This may come from a number of sources, Housing Benefit if a young person is on Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance, Social Services if the young person is a care leaver or from the young person themselves if they are working (this may also be topped up by Housing Benefit depending on how much the young person earns). There is also a contribution from young people to cover utilities. The young person may also make an agreed contribution towards food.
It must be emphasised that although the scheme is managed by Barnardos, providers are not regarded as employees of either Barnardos or Preston Nightstop. They are volunteers.
Are there any other benefits available to the providers?
As a provider you will receive ongoing support and guidance from project staff. This will be delivered in a number of ways:
–Providers each have access to a worker whom they can call on for information, advice, supervision, guidance and reassurance.
–You will be invited to attend meetings of Preston Nightstop Volunteers’ Support Group. The project now works with a number of volunteers and this group provides an arena for mutual support, discussing issues and recognising further training needs. All providers have to complete the Barnardo’s mandatory training modules.
–Providers have the assurance that their lodgers are pre-selected and matched specifically to them. The provider will have some information on the young person and a careful introduction before a decision is made whether or not to take them.
–If both parties agree to proceed, written agreements between the providers and the scheme and the young person and the scheme are then drawn up.
–Finally, it is stressed that any information gathered from the providers will always be treated with sensitivity.
SOME GENERAL QUESTIONS ASKED BY PROVIDERS
QDO I HAVE TO GIVE THE YOUNG PERSON THEIR OWN KEY?
As part of a supportive and trusting relationship it is hoped that the young person will be given responsibility for their own key. However, if this were not practical then other arrangements would be negotiated.
QWHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I GO ON HOLIDAY OR STAY AWAY OVERNIGHT?
You will not be expected to accommodate a young person during any prolonged absence and other accommodation would be found. For shorter periods, it would depend on your relationship with the young person.
QHOW MUCH SUPPORT WILL THE YOUNG PERSON NEED?
This can vary and will be decided at the placement agreement stage. It is recognised that some people need more support than others and this is reflected in the agreement.
QWILL THE MONEY I GET AFFECT MY BENEFITS?
If you are claiming any benefits you must inform the Benefits Agency that payment is being received for Supported Lodgings. The outcome would be dependent on each individual provider’s circumstances.
QDO I NEED TO INFORM MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT I HAVE A LODGER?
Yes, you will need to inform your home & contents insurance company that you will be becoming a Supported Lodgings provider.
QWHAT WILL EXCLUDE ME FROM BEING A LODGINGS PROVIDER?
Your ability to be a supported lodgings provider is based on comprehensive checks and assessment but if for any reason you are excluded you will be fully consulted as to the reasons why.
QAM I EXPECTED TO TAKE THEM SHOPPING?
Part of the placement agreement is to decide the support a young person will receive and your part in this. This may include taking them shopping as well as helping them with meals, laundry etc.
QWHAT IF THE RELATIONSHIP BREAKS DOWN AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME?
Supporting young people can throw up its difficulties and these would hopefully be worked through but, if there is a complete breakdown in the relationship we would help both yourself and the young person deal with this in a way which is supportive of both of you.
QWILL I GET EXPENSES?
It may be possible to cover any out of pocket expenses you incur but this would need to be discussed and cleared prior by the Management Committee.
QHOW MUCH TRAINING DO I HAVE TO DO?
Training is an ongoing process but there are certain elements which will need to be covered before a young person lives with a provider. Ideally we would want to do this as part of a group but would allow some flexibility to respond to individual circumstances. There are 5 Barnardo’s mandatory Standards that must be attended. You will be informed of training dates during your induction with the volunteer co-ordinator.
QWILL I BE EXPECTED TO ALLOW ALL THE YOUNG PERSON’S FRIENDS TO VISIT AND STAY OVERNIGHT?
Definitely no. You may agree, after a period of time, to let friends visit but overnights need to be carefully considered before being approved.
QWHAT RULES ARE THERE?
There are house rules as well as standards of behaviour and these are agreed at the placement agreement meeting.
QWHO WILL NEED TO BE POLICE CHECKED?
Police checks are an important part of the approval process. Not only will you be personally police checked with any family members who live at your house, but also anyone who is likely to spend time with you, for example, a partner, or older children who have left home. The young person is police checked on application to the service.
QWHAT IF A YOUNG PERSON IS MISBEHAVING, SAY TAKING DRUGS OR BEING ABUSIVE?
We would hope that the behaviour of the young people we place is always appropriate, but if it isn’t then there are steps which you can take. We will discuss these as part of your induction training.
QWHAT IF I DON’T LIKE THE YOUNG PERSON YOU PICK FOR ME?
The process of matching young person to provider is two way, and you both have the opportunity to meet and decide whether you want to go ahead before any agreement is made.
QHAVE THEY GOT TO HAVE THEIR OWN ROOM?
This is the main consideration for approval of supported lodgings providers. Having their own room allows the young person “space” and an element of independence.
QAM I TOLD EVERYTHING ABOUT THE YOUNG PERSON BEFORE THEY COME TO LIVE WITH ME?
The information you receive will be as comprehensive as our policy on confidentiality allows.
QARE THE PAYMENTS I RECEIVE SUBJECT TO INCOME TAX?
The scheme comes under the ‘rent a room’ allowance which is £4250 at time of print. This will mean that you will be paying tax on £20 of the £100 you receive currently for your expenses. It is your responsibility to contact the Tax Office on how you intend on paying the Tax. You have two options ‘pay as you go’, the Tax office add the £4250 to your current wage and will change your tax code as appropriate. Or you can keep records and receipts of your expenditure throughout the year and submit a self assessment form calculating tax owed. This would require that you set aside the appropriate amount weekly to enable you to pay your tax bill on time.
Please note the Inland Revenue do request names of providers and the amount they have received on an annual basis from Preston Nightstop.
QHOW WILL MY COUNCIL TAX BE AFFECTED?
If you are a single person receiving a discount this will not be affected if the young person who lives with you is under 18. If the young person is 18 or over, you will lose your discount.
QARE ANY OTHER HEALTH & SAFETY CHECKS REQUIRED?
Before a young person can be placed with you, a Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate will need to be in place. This is a check that is carried out to ensure that all gas appliances in your home are safe. The Supported Lodgings Scheme will pay for the first certificate to be produced but it is your responsibility to ensure any subsequent checks are done. The certificate needs to be renewed every 12 months and currently costs approximately £70.
QIS THERE ANYONE ELSE I WOULD HAVE TO NOTIFY ABOUT MY DECISION TO BECOME A PROVIDER?
If you have a mortgage for your home you should ask permission from your lender if you can take in a lodger, and if you rent your home you should ask permission from your landlord before taking in a lodger. If you intend to transport young people in your car you will need to have the correct insurance in place and the scheme would require a copy of your insurance document.
To be reviewed November 2012