Local Solutions in search of households to offer safe spaces to young people
Are you someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life – without becoming a foster carer?
Local Solutions is looking for people with a spare room and a supportive heart to become Supported Lodgings Householders in the Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral and Knowsley areas.
This unique role offers vulnerable young people aged 16 to 21 a safe place to live while they develop the skills needed for independent living.
Unlike fostering, this isn’t about parenting — it’s about mentoring. You’ll be offering structure, encouragement, and day-to-day support while Local Solutions’ professional team provides full backing every step of the way.
What will you need to do
- Offer a bedroom in your home to a young person
- Provide emotional support and help them learn practical life skills (for example budgeting, cooking, hygiene)
- Encourage independence while maintaining boundaries
- Provide two meals per day or food for the young person to cook
- Maintain weekly contact with the Local Solutions support team and complete simple task records
Enhanced DBS checks will be carried out, and your home must meet Local Solutions’ minimum standards and basic safety standards (annual gas safety checks, home risk assessment, etcetera).
What you’ll receive
- A weekly allowance of up to £200
- Full training, ongoing supervision, and access to Householder Forums (two or three per year)
- Continued support from a dedicated coordinator throughout the placement
Who the young people are
Young people in Supported Lodgings are not ready to live independently due to past experiences such as family breakdown or being in care.
They are carefully matched with a suitable householder and supported by a professional support coordinator.
Referrals with high-risk behaviours (for example violence, serious substance misuse) are not accepted.
The process
- Get in touch with the Local Solutions team for an informal chat and/or a home visit
- Complete application forms and references
- Undergo DBS checks and attend training (approximately three to four weeks)
- Once approved, you'll be matched with a young person and supported throughout the process
Contact Maxine at Local Solutions on 07971 477 079 for an initial chat and more information.
