Stepping stones
Could you offer a spare bedroom and guidance to a young care leaver?
Many of our young people are not yet ready to live on their own. They want independence but also need the safety net of a room to go back to and someone to offer advice. The 'Stepping Stones' scheme helps people aged 16 and over to develop the practical skills and emotional stability they need to live independently and reach their potential.
Stepping Stones hosts support young people, aged between 16-21 years, who are unable to live in their family home and are making the transition from Local Authority care (for example leaving foster care or residential care etc..) to living alone as a young adult.
This involves providing support and guidance, both on an emotional and practical level. You'll provide them with a safe place to live and help them develop the crucial life skills they need - things some of us may take for granted that could make a huge difference to a vulnerable young person. With your help, they will gradually take on more responsibility and build on their skills, from cooking their first meal to landing their first job.
Who can be a Stepping Stones host?
You'll need to be over 23 with a spare room in your home, whilst also providing support, encouragement and guidance.
There is no upper age limit - wisdom and experience are a bonus. We welcome people from all backgrounds and ethnicities - those who are single, LGBT, renting, or if you have children of your own already.
It’s important our care leavers have access to amenities and education/employment opportunities, so you will need to live in or close to a Somerset town, or an area with good transport links.
You will also have the flexibility to work full or part-time alongside your Stepping Stones role.
Stepping Stones may be a good option for people who:
- work or have other commitments, as many of our young people want independence, but are not yet ready to live alone
- enjoy being with young adults and are keen to help them move towards independence
- are of an older age and would enjoy sharing their home and life experiences with a young person
- live alone or as a couple, though families can also provide a great environment
Our offer to you...
In return you'll receive a weekly payment, starting at £217.06 per week, plus a little extra toward food and utilities etc (up to £28.50) paid weekly by the young person from their allowance. You will also be eligible for the same tax exemptions and relief as foster carers, more information can be found here.
Stepping Stones hosts also benefit from our full ‘skills to foster’ training package and a dedicated team member to support you throughout your Stepping Stones journey. No experience is necessary, however a good understanding of young people may be helpful in this role.
If you have the time and space to support a Somerset teenager leaving care, we’d love to hear from you.
You could make a real difference to a young person’s life in this role.
To register your interest, or simply find out more, please contact our friendly team. You're not committing to anything by getting in touch to find out more.
Email: SteppingStonesTeamLeavingCare@somerset.gov.uk
Di Paterson: 07919 540606
Coleen Bartlett: 07584 408004
Enquiry Line: 0800 587 9900 and ask for more information about ‘Stepping Stones’.
