North east Supported lodgings Tuesday 5th February 2019 North east Supported lodgings Carol Preston – Senior Practitioner Joy Kinney – Project Worker

Premise Supported lodgings is a form of accommodation aimed at young people aged 16-25 who are Looked After Children or Leaving Care or aged 16-18 for those who are homeless. Young people are placed within a private household known as the host. Hosts are recruited, assessed and trained prior to young people being matched and placed. The role of the host is to provide emotional and practical support to assist the young person in developing confidence and preparing for their transition into independent living.

Background Supported Lodgings North East launched in 1996 in Northumberland Previously delivered in Hartlepool and Darlington In 2016 there were 18 Supported Lodgings Schemes nationally Contract with Gateshead 2018

Host providers Comments from Host Providers: “You see the teenagers grow from when they first come and change ready for new adult life” “It’s a 2 way street, making sure people gel and they feel comfortable”

Feedback from young people

Case study – M Background Referred by a different Local Authority Children’s Services. At the time of referral M was in care placed in a Children’s home in Northumberland. Due to his age they were looking for move on options. M’s mother had died and following her death, he became involved in petty crime, was drinking, using drugs and socialising with inappropriate peers. Due to this and risks to M as a result of his drug taking, his Social Worker had moved him out of the area for his own safety. There was very little change in behavior whilst in residential care and he continued to be involved in petty crime.

Summary of our Involvement M wanted to remain in Northumberland and we were able to place him in this area. The host worked hard to establish a trusting relationship with M, very quickly building a rapport with him which he responded positively to. Clear expectations around behaviour were set which M responded to. M had issues around making and sustaining relationships due to the losses he had experienced. He was very angry, struggling to deal with the loss of his mother and of contact with his other family members which had broken down following his move out of area. M initially found it difficult to express himself and often presented as angry. The host worked with M to enable him to express his feelings in a more appropriate way.

Impact · Risk taking behaviour stopped and he responded well to all boundaries set. · M ceased involvement in any criminal activities since being in placement. · He began discussing the loss and issues from his past · Making positive choices and developed appropriate relationships with his peer group. · M had limited contact with his family and was trying hard to build relationships with them. · M began exploring options around training and employment

Gateshead contract Working well Developing links with other providers and Social Work Teams Hosts being recruited Difficulties Host recruitment!

Questions?