Essex County Council (ECC) is hosting an information and recruitment day for prospective Supported lodgings providers on Friday 18th May 2012 at Chelmsford Cricket Ground. 

Supported lodgings provides young people, aged 16 or over, in Essex with accommodation to live independently in preparation for leaving the care system. Providers can be an individual, couple, family or social care provider. 

Providers are required to have a spare room and space for a young person in their home. In addition to a room, providers are also encouraged to help the young person learn the skills and gain the confidence they need to live independently. 

The information recruitment day will feature talks from the Essex County Council supported lodgings team alongside existing providers who will discuss their experiences and the practicalities of being a supported lodgings provider. 

Essex County Councillor Ray Gooding, Cabinet Member responsible for Children’s Services said: “Supported lodgings providers are crucial in ensuring young people in care are given the support to live independently. Becoming a supported lodgings provider is perfect for those people who want to help and support vulnerable young people but aren’t able to give up their day job. We actively encourage people to come forward who are in full time work as they act as role models to these young people.” 

Lynne from Coggeshall said of her experience as a supported lodgings provider “Becoming a Supported Lodgings provider for ECC has changed my view of the world completely. I have found out so much about myself and my own family since I have been doing it. 

“You know when you say “if I knew then what I know now”, well with all your previous experience you do have the advantage of hindsight this time. Every child is different but every child needs an adult they can depend on, and if you are lucky you get to see them excel.” 

For more information on becoming a supported lodgings provider visit www.essex.gov.uk/supportedlodgings or call 01245 434 131.