Some young people are unable to live at home, but do not yet have the skills to live independently. Through the SASH Supported Lodgings project, we aim to provide a supportive environment in which a young person can develop these skills, with the help of their host and the SASH project workers. A young person in this project can live with their volunteer host for up to two years.
All young people on the Supported Lodgings scheme have a licence agreement and pay bills like a lodger, and must remain in work, education or training to keep their placement. They are helped to develop a routine, stick to their House Rules, pay bills on time and take responsbility for their future. During their stay in Supported Lodgings they also receive training on topics such as money management and tenancies.
When a young person is ready to move on, they receive support to find suitable accommodation. The SASH Supported Lodgings scheme is currently only available in York.
If you are interested in volunteering for SASH Supported Lodgings hosting please read on - there is lots of information below! You can download the application form using the link below, or give us a call on 01904 652043 if you have any questions.
Want to get started?
Click here to download an application form.
How does SASH help young people?
Click here to read their stories.
Homeless young people needing Supported Lodgings are referred to us by City of York Council. Once we have received a referral, we will interview the young person to make sure that they understand what the project is about, what they would be expected to do if they were offered a placement. This gives the young person a chance to decide whether they think SASH Supported Lodgings is for them, and enables us to assess their suitability for the scheme.
At the interview, the young person is asked about their preferences regarding a host. For example, some young people may not like dogs, so we would not place them in a household that had a dog. If they are accepted onto the scheme, we would then arrange a 'match-meeting' between them and a prospective host. If both the host and the young person feel they would be happy with the match, we arrange a move-in date for the young person.
Each young person in Supported Lodgings has a SASH Project Co-ordinator who works with them and the host to ensure the placement is going smoothly. They will have weekly meetings with the young person, as well as a Review Meeting with the host and the young person every 4-6 weeks.
When the young person is ready to move on, they are helped to find new accommodation and receive ongoing support after leaving the project to ensure that they settle into their new place.
We are looking for people who:
Supported Lodgings hosts have a young person live with them as a lodger for up to two years. Along with SASH project workers, they support the young person to help them develop the practical skills such as cleaning, shopping and money management that are essential for independent living. The young people often come from chaotic and disadvantaged backgrounds and it is also part of the host's role to provide some emotional support. The host will have regular meeting with both the SASH project workers to ensure that they are fully supported in their role and that any issues can be dealt with as they arise.
You can download an application form using the link at the top of this page and return the completed form to us by post or email (see 'Contact Us'). If you would prefer an informal chat before completing the form, you are welcome to drop in at our offices, or we can visit you at home if you prefer - just give us a call on 01904 652043.
Once we have received your application, we will get in touch to arrange an interview. If successful, we will take up references and begin the training process as soon as possible. To ensure that young people are offered a safe placement, all prospective hosts and anyone over 16 living in their household will also need an enhanced CRB check.
If you think you can help us with this important role, please do get in touch!
Family breakdown is the main reason. Sometimes mum or dad has a new partner, and the young person does not get on with them. Often the family home becomes overcrowded, which causes problems in itself.
Yes it is. We carry out Police National Computer (PNC) checks and a full risk assessment on every young person that is referred to us. We do not place anyone who we feel might be a risk to a host or their household. If necessary, we also speak to agencies working with the young person to make sure we are fully informed about them.
Yes, that's not a problem. Likewise, single males may be more comfortable only hosting males.
No. We send out monthly rotas so that we know your availability on a month by month basis. Most of our hosts leave a set night a week free to host a young person.
We have an emergency contact available from 5pm-9am the next morning. The emergency line is available all weekend and on Bank Holidays.
Yes. All our hosts are fully trained before they start hosting and we also provide ongoing training, updates through our monthly newsletter and the chance to network through our regular host forums.
Yes that's fine. Most of the young people have to return to the referral agency each morning to find accommodation for the following evening.
All our hosts are paid expenses of £18.50 per night. These expenses have been agreed with the Inland Revenue and are non taxable. They will not affect any benefits you might be on.
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Safe
and Sound Homes, The Spurriergate
Centre, Spurriergate,
York YO1 9QR, 01904 652043.
Company registered in England &
Wales 3179309
registered charity 1054890
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