Health & Social Care Moray (HSCM) is recognising the caring local hosts who open their homes to young people through its supported lodgings scheme โ and shining a light on the often-overlooked opportunity for others to do the same and help change lives.
Supported lodgings hosts offer not just a spare room, but steady, encouraging presence to support young adults as they build confidence and develop the life skills they need to live independently.
The Moray scheme supports young people aged 16-21 who are leaving care, or who cannot live at home and are at risk of homelessness.
HSCM currently works with eight supported lodgings hosts and more are urgently needed. However, many people remain unaware of this valuable service, which makes it harder to find new hosts and limits opportunities for the young people who would benefit most.
One local host, who has been involved with the scheme for almost eight years, spoke about how rewarding it is to provide a guiding hand and safe place to live, knowing youโre making a real difference in a young personโs life as you they move towards independent living.
โBeing a supported lodgings host basically means opening your home and your heart. As a host, you build solid relationships and lasting bonds. Many young people stay in touch after they leave, filling you in on whatโs happening in their life. You care for them, and they care for you, too.
โThrough the scheme youโll be supported to develop the skills needed and being a host fits around your life โ whether youโre retired, working full or part time.โ
Dennis Robertson and Councillor Bridget Mustard, Co-Chairs of Moray Integration Joint Board, which oversees the community health and care services delivered through HSCM, are encouraging people in Moray to consider becoming hosts.
Mr Robertson said: โEvery young person deserves the chance to thrive, and that starts with someone who believes in them. When you offer a place in your home through supported lodgings, you offer so much more than a roof over someoneโs head. Youโre providing a steady base, a listening ear, a sense of belonging and a belief in their potential that can make all the difference.
โ I want to thank the incredible hosts across Moray who already give their time, care and commitment to our young people. The impact they have is enormous, not just for those they support but for our communities as a whole.โ
Cllr Mustard added: โBy becoming a host, youโre helping a young person stay connected to their community as they make their journey towards independence.
โMany people in Moray donโt realise they already have what it takes to be a positive role model โ patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in young people. You donโt need professional experience or qualifications. What matters most is being willing to offer time, encouragement and consistency to help a young person build a better future.โ
Unlike fostering, Supported Lodgings hosts donโt take on parental responsibilities. Instead, they provide a room in their home and ongoing guidance and support โ from budgeting and cooking, to finding work or study opportunities, or simply offering advice and reassurance when life feels challenging.
Stays can last from six months to two years, depending on the young personโs needs. Hosts receive a weekly allowance, full training and ongoing support from HSCMโs Supported Lodging Team, who will work closely with each host to ensure a good match. Every young person also has their own Through Care and After Care project worker offering additional support.
If youโre interested in helping a young person and have a spare bedroom, the Supported Lodging Team would love to tell you more. Please call 01343 563568 or email adminrosecottage@moray.gov.uk.
