Foster for East Midlands Councils is supporting National Supported Lodgings Week (16-22 November 2026), joining organisations across the country to raise awareness of supported lodgings and encourage more local people to consider becoming hosts for young people aged 16 and over.
Many young people accessing supported lodgings are leaving care, at risk of homelessness, or have arrived in the UK as separated migrant children. Having a trusted adult and a stable home environment can make a significant difference at a crucial stage in their lives.
Recently, Foster for East Midlands Councils brought together supported lodging hosts, young people and support teams for a special afternoon tea event to celebrate the positive differences they make in the lives of local young people. The gathering provided the opportunity to recognise the commitment, encouragement, and support that help young people build confidence, develop life skills and move towards greater independence.
This year's campaign theme, "Host the Future", celebrates the role hosts play in helping young people move forward with confidence and purpose.
With growing demand for supported lodgings across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, Foster for East Midlands Councils is encouraging more people to find out how they could provide the support and stability that helps a young person take their next steps towards independence.
Denise was Derby City Council's first Supported Lodgings host in 2022, having previously been a foster carer with Derby City Council for three years. She chose to continue supporting young people in care by helping them make the transition into adulthood through Supported Lodgings. Denise enjoys helping young people develop the confidence and practical skills needed to live independently and says seeing them succeed on their own is her greatest achievement.
Denise said:
If you're thinking about being a Supported Lodgings host, then just do it. It's definitely one of the most satisfying things you'll ever do. You're helping a young person by giving them a safe space, keeping them safe and teaching them so much. You can't beat it.
What I love most is seeing young people start doing things for themselves and growing in confidence. Supporting them to achieve independence is incredibly rewarding. My greatest achievement is seeing a young person move on to independent living, knowing they have learnt skills that I've been able to share and support them with along the way.
Savannah, who entered Supported Lodgings at the age of 16, said the experience provided the stability she needed after moving through care. Now studying social work at university, she hopes to use her experiences to help others.
Savannah said:
It's definitely given me that sense of stability that is needed for people that have been in care or been through trauma and have moved around a lot."
National Supported Lodgings Week aims to shine a light on a vital but often overlooked service and inspire more people to consider opening their homes to young people who need support as they prepare for adulthood.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Fostering for the East Midlands, said:
Many people have never heard of supported lodgings, yet it is life-changing for young people who need a safe place to live and someone they can trust. By becoming a host, you can help a young person build confidence, gain independence and create a brighter future. We hope National Supported Lodgings Week will encourage more people in our communities to find out how they could make a real difference.
Anyone interested in supporting a young person in a meaningful and rewarding way is encouraged to find out more about becoming a Supported Lodgings host by visiting Host the Future web page, or call Foster for East Midlands Councils on 03033 132950.