Supported lodgings for teenagers (Launch Pad)

What are supported lodgings?

Launch Pad is the supported lodgings scheme from Gloucestershire County Council designed to bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood for children in care aged 16 - 17 years old.

We are currently recruiting hosts with a spare room who can provide safe, supportive accommodation for these young people. and help 'launch' them into adulthood.

Launch Pad is not intended as permanent accommodation. The aim is to offer a period of stability from 6 to 24 months, with tailored levels of practical and emotional support to enable young people to make a successful transition to independence and adulthood. We want to make sure that moving out at the end of the arrangement is as planned and positive as moving in!

The Young People

For a young person to be eligible for Launch Pad, they must be in full time education, employment or training. A young person who displays a significant level of risky behaviour, such as violence, serious mental health issues, a recent history of serious drug/alcohol use, or criminal behaviour will not be eligible for this scheme (there are other services better fitted to accommodate their needs). However, there are many reasons why young people are unable to live with their own family in their own homes, and although they may not have serious issues, many have experienced significant emotional or physical trauma. Hosts may need to help them develop positive identity and self-esteem in their journey to independence.

Launch Pad Hosts

Being a host is an opportunity for someone to make a real difference to young people without the full expectations and commitment required for fostering. For example, it is easier for you to work or have other personal commitments and host, as your young person is expected to be in full time training, work or education.

We welcome applications from people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, couples and single applicants, homeowners or tenants (landlord permission is required for applicants who rent). It is essential that supported lodgings hosts have a spare bedroom and are willing to share a spare key to their home with the young person (or a key lock with code outside the home). The young person should have access to shared areas of the home such as the kitchen, bathroom and living area, as well as dedicated space for food in cupboards and the fridge.

It is preferred for applicants to have previous experience working with teenage children or vulnerable adults. However, if you do not have this experience, we would be able to consider your application dependant on other skills or experience.

There are some similarities to fostering; you will not have to care for the young person in isolation. You will have regular support from a social worker, ongoing training, access to local support groups and out of hours help, as well as a generous weekly allowance.

Secure area for Supported Lodgings Hosts
^{(Login required)}

What is the difference between a Launch Pad host and a foster carer?

The primary objective of a Launchpad host is to support and empower the young person to live independently. This would include offering support in areas such as:

• Food preparation and cooking
• Shopping on a budget
• Managing laundry
• Paying bills and saving money
• Applying for jobs and completing forms
• Advising on relationships, drugs and alcohol
• Providing emotional support

Liberate your spare room.

Offering a spare room to a young person, can provide more than just a roof over their heads. The security of knowing they have somewhere to come back to, and someone who will listen and take interest in them, can make a huge difference to young people who may have faced difficult challenges during their early lives.

If you enjoy spending time with young people, are able to interact with them openly and objectively, have a calm and friendly attitude, and an ability to manage confidential information, you would be an excellent Launch Pad host.