Could You Change a Teen’s Life? More Hosts Needed for Young People Leaving Cornwall’s Care System

Published On: 27 February 2025Last Updated: 27 February 2025By CornishStuff

More people are being urged to open their homes to teenagers leaving the care system in Cornwall. Under Cornwall Council’s Supported Lodgings Scheme, residents with a spare room can provide a safe and supportive space for young people aged 16-19, helping them transition to independent living.

In return, hosts receive rent, a contribution towards utility bills, and training to equip them for the role.

The Need for Hosts

There are currently more than 370 teenagers aged 16 to 19 in Cornwall’s care system, many of whom will soon need support as they take their first steps into adulthood.

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, highlighted the vital role hosts play in shaping young people’s futures.

“Supported Lodgings hosts play a crucial role in helping our young people in care go on to become independent, confident and capable adults. Of course, it can be a challenging experience, but it is also an extremely rewarding and exciting one too.

“It is a key priority of ours to make Cornwall a brilliant place to be a child and grow up so ensuring our children in care receive the right help and support at every step of their journey into adulthood is vital.

“If you care about young people and can offer them the support and guidance to become the best possible version of themselves then please get in touch and enquire about being a host.”

A Life-Changing Experience

For care leavers, the scheme provides not just a roof over their heads but a stepping stone towards a stable future.

Jack, 25, lived with a Supported Lodgings host for two years from the age of 17. He admitted it was a daunting experience at first but said it gave him the confidence to manage his own life.

“At first it was a bit daunting as I hadn’t had to deal with so many responsibilities or rely on myself so much. But once I developed a routine and I started doing all the shopping myself, getting myself to college, it got so much easier, and I managed to build up a lot of self-confidence and realise that I can do things.

“I wasn’t particularly easy to deal with but the way that she [my host] was nudging me, I felt like I was on the same ground as her. It never felt like she was pushing me, it felt like she was not holding my hand but being right beside me. She had a profound impact on my life.”

For those who take on the role of a host, the experience is just as rewarding. David Pettigrew, who has supported eight teenagers through the scheme, described the impact it has.

“It gives these young people a start or the stability perhaps that they maybe haven’t had. If I can give that to them and they can progress until they leave when they’re 18 and be able to just be independent, then I think that’s a good job for me and certainly a great start for them.”

What Hosts Provide

The Supported Lodgings Scheme isn’t just about offering a place to stay – hosts provide:

Support and Guidance: Helping young people develop essential life skills and confidence.
A Safe Space: Ensuring a secure and welcoming environment.
Encouragement and Mentorship: Acting as role models and mentors.
Collaboration with Services: Working with social workers, personal advisors, and other professionals.
Training and Development: Receiving support and training to help hosts provide the best care.

A newly introduced tiered support structure means that hosts who offer more support hours to meet a young person’s needs receive higher financial compensation.