Making SENSS

How can supported lodgings help young people build brighter futures? 

A safe place to live can transform a young person's future, but behind every supported lodging is a host family whose experiences are rarely heard. What can we learn from the people opening their homes to vulnerable young people? 

Rachael Stemp, a PhD student at the University of East Anglia, explores the experiences of hosts providing supported lodgings for young people aged 16–23, including care leavers and young people seeking asylum. Through a national survey and creative photo elicitation interviews, her research uncovers both the rewards and challenges of becoming a host. 

Rachael discusses why greater awareness and stronger support for host families are essential if supported lodgings are to continue making a positive difference. Her work aims to inform future policy while helping more young people make a successful transition into independent adulthood. 

You can read a transcript of the conversation here. 

Find out more about South and East Network for Social Sciences at www.senss.ac.uk 

This is a Research Podcasts production. 

Episode Credits: 

Presenter and Producer: Alex Canner, Research Podcasts 

Guest: Rachael Stemp, University of East Anglia 

Music: "Surroundings are Green" by Ketsa