Supported lodgings

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What is Supported Lodgings?
What do you need to become a Supported Lodgings carer?
Your role as a Supported Lodgings carer
Support and training for Supported Lodgings carers
Financial allowances for Supported Lodgings carers
Thinking about Supported Lodgings and want to learn more?

What Is Supported Lodgings?

Surrey County Council’s Supported Lodgings offers young people aged 16 to 21 a safe and supportive home environment as they transition from care to independent living.

This initiative is designed to give care-experienced young people the same opportunities and support as their peers, helping them build the skills and confidence they need for adult life.

What do you need to become a Supported Lodgings carer?

Surrey welcomes applications from individuals and families of all backgrounds, including single people, couples, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from diverse ethnic and religious communities. Carers must:

Live full-time in the property
Have a spare room suitable for a young adult
Provide a stable home environment
Offer emotional support and practical advice
Work collaboratively with social workers and other professionals
Be open-minded and inclusive

Your role as a Supported Lodgings carer

As a Supported Lodgings carer, you provide a safe, stable place to live for a young person aged 16 to 21 who is not yet ready to live fully independently. Unlike fostering, your role is to offer guidance, encouragement, and everyday support—while the young person keeps a level of independence.

You'll help them develop life skills like cooking, budgeting, attending appointments, and preparing for work or further education. You don’t need formal qualifications—just the time, patience, and space to make a difference.

Once you express interest, a member of our team will visit your home and explain the assessment process. If you decide to go ahead, you’ll be assigned a supervising worker who will support you through a 20-week assessment, including regular visits and training. Once approved, you’ll be matched with a young person and supported every step of the way.

Support and training for Supported Lodgings carers

Carers receive ongoing support from a supervising worker, with additional visits available as needed. Mandatory training includes a two-day induction and short online courses. Surrey also offers development mornings twice a year to help carers maintain and grow their skills.

You’ll also be invited to join a local support group, where you can connect with other Supported Lodgings carers, share experiences, and get peer support.

Care leavers also have access to a wide range of resources, which you can explore on the Care Leavers page (link to new resources for care leavers page). These include support with education, health, finances, and independent living—helping you and the young person you're supporting feel confident about the journey ahead.

Financial allowances for Supported Lodgings carers

Carers receive a weekly payment of £256.89 (as of 2023/24). For young people aged 16–17, rent is paid directly by the scheme. Once the young person turns 18, they are responsible for paying rent to the carer, currently set at £70 per week.