It is difficult to imagine what it must be like to be 16 and be made homeless. Developmentally at this stage in life you are looking to establish foundations, work out what is right and wrong / good and bad. To be moved out of home at such a time creates the need not only for a roof over your head but for someone who is going to provide you with constant support.
it is therefore good to know that the YMCA has been asked by Sutton Council to establish a Young Person Lodging Scheme. In the Young People's Lodging Scheme (YPLS), we recruit ‘hosts’ who have a spare room to rent out and match them with a young person aged between 16 and 25 who is not yet ready to live and manage on their own.
Lodging hosts are asked to create a safe environment for the young person and also offer guidance and support to help them become more independent and responsible. You are not asked to be a ‘parent’ to the young person; they will be a lodger in your home, however they may need your help with acquiring life skills, such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting. Hosts receive £100 a week in rent which is paid to you either from the young person or YMCA LSW, depending on the circumstances (Under the Government’s ‘Rent a Room Scheme’ you can receive an annual income of £4,250 tax free).
Could you help us in a couple of ways:
1. We are on the lookout for hosts in either Merton or Sutton to accomodate young people. Hosts will be checked and matched with young people who are identified in need of accomdation.
2. We are looking to make the Supported Lodging Scheme known by young people and youth services across Sutton. If you know someone who would benefit from knowing then please do let Zoe Sargent the YPLS coordinator know or visit this part of our website