Doncaster Housing for Young People joins national supported lodgings drive

Doncaster Housing for Young People (DHYP) has joined a national campaign to raise awareness of supported lodgings for young people.

This autumn, DHYP will take part in a national awareness campaign National Supported Lodgings Week, taking place from 16 to 22 November 2026.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of supported lodgings – a vital but often overlooked option for young people aged 16+ who cannot live with their birth families.

In supported lodgings, a young person lives in the home of a host who provides not just a room, but emotional support, encouragement and the presence of a trusted adult.

Supported lodgings play a crucial role in providing safe, stable accommodation for young people – particularly those who have experience of being in care, or others at risk of homelessness.

Despite its impact, awareness remains low, making it harder to recruit hosts and limiting opportunities for young people.

These figures highlight the need for more support for young people:

• 29% of children in care in Doncaster are over 16

• 48% of Doncaster care leavers aged 19–21 are not in education, employment or training (NEET), compared to 15% of their peers

• Approx 1 IN 4 of the adult homeless population is a care-leaver.

• Almost 25% of the adult prison population nationally have previously been in care

Where supported lodgings are available, the outcomes are strong:

• 84% of young people say it feels like home

• 90% report increased confidence to live independently

• 92% feel safe from exploitation

• Young people in supported lodgings for 6 months or more see an average 44% decrease in being NEET

“I’ve been doing this for so long now and couldn’t imagine not doing it. Giving a young person a safe place to live and develop themselves is very rewarding.” Pat – DHYP Host.

“I’ve only been doing this for one year and really enjoy it. I will continue when my young person moves on. I have found hosting to be so beneficial to a young person and really rewarding for myself.” Kirsty – DHYP Host

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Nicki, DHYP’s Supported Lodgings Lead, said: “Supported lodgings is a very unique service where a young person can be safe, develop and empower themselves to improve their life.”

Jack* (name changed) came to DHYP at 18 after being disowned by their family. DHYP found them a place in supported lodgings where they felt safe, supported and able to be themselves.

Alongside accommodation, Jack accessed DHYP’s wellbeing and counselling services. They have since returned to education and are successfully maintaining their own tenancy with ongoing help from DHYP’s floating support service.

Jack said: “Supported lodgings was not just a roof for me, it was a space to feel finally feel safe and realise that there is nothing wrong with being me. I don't know where I'd be without it.”

DHYP invites members of the community in Doncaster to learn more and consider getting involved.

For more information, visit: hostthefuture.net.