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Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 3.00pm on Friday 31 March until 8.00am Monday 3 April 2023: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Supported lodgings


If you have a spare room, and want to help a vulnerable young person, you may be able to provide supported lodgings. You will be paid rent for the room you provide, as well as for the support you give.

A supported lodgings provider offers a safe, supportive and friendly home environment for young people at risk of becoming homeless or leaving care, aged between 16 and 25 years old. This can be short term or longer - for up to two years.

Who needs supported lodgings?

Some young people need support before they can live independently. This may be because they:

  • can not live with their family
  • have been fostered or in care
  • have learning disabilities or mental health problems
  • need a home and support for just a few days
  • are an unaccompanied asylum seeker

Who can provide supported lodgings?

If you have a spare room in your home, and want to help a vulnerable young person, you can apply to provide supported lodgings. You could be:

  • one person, a couple or a family
  • working or unemployed
  • married or unmarried
  • straight or gay

You must be over 21 years, but there is no upper age limit, as long as you are fit and healthy.

Supported lodgings - what's expected?

You are expected to provide a key to your home, a room, access to a bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities. Each young person is different, but they may need practical support. For example, help with:

  • learning to cook, working a washing machine or attending appointments
  • making their money last
  • looking at their options - finding a job, education and training

They might just need you to sit down and listen to them. As a supported lodgings provider, you will:

  • be able to relate to young people
  • be supportive
  • be able to communicate
  • have interest and concern for the welfare of young people
  • be committed to treating young people with respect, care and sensitivity
  • be patient, compassionate, understanding and have a good sense of humour

Why become a supported lodgings provider?

  • You are paid rent for the use of the room, and for the support you offer.
  • You'll have the satisfaction of having helped a young person develop and look after themselves.
  • You'll receive professional training and development.
  • You'll receive our support and supervision throughout the placement.

If you are interested in becoming a supported lodgings provider please contact us.

Contact us
Supported Lodgings
03000 262 272
Our address is:
  • Young People's Service
  • Green Lane
  • Spennymoor
  • County Durham
  • United Kingdom
  • DL16 6JQ