Supported Lodgings Carers

Supported Lodgings Carers

Fostering and Supported Lodgings

Closing Date: 8th March 2026

Payment: £315 per week, per young person placed with you. Plus the young person receives their own personal allowance. 

Hours: Flexible alongside other work
Contract: Self‑employed role

Essex County Council are advertising this role on behalf of Fostering and Supported Lodgings. To apply, please click here.

Please note: All applications must be submitted via the Fostering and Supported Lodgings website. Please do not apply using the Apply button on this page, as any applications submitted through our system will not be reviewed.

Supported Lodgings is a different pathway from working for the council, with its own application process, training and support.

Make a real difference in a young person’s life – from your own home

Essex County Council is looking for people who can offer a safe, stable home environment to young people aged 16+ who are taking their next steps toward independence.

As a Supported Lodgings Carer, you won’t be taking on full-time parenting responsibilities. Instead, you’ll offer practical guidance, emotional reassurance and a home where a young person can build confidence and learn essential life skills – all while continuing with your own job and commitments.

Being a Supported Lodgings carer is a rewarding opportunity to use your spare space, life experience and patience to help someone who has experienced challenges feel ready for adulthood.

What you’ll do

You’ll provide a consistent, caring environment where a young person can learn to manage day‑to‑day life, including:

• Budgeting and managing money
• Cooking and basic household skills
• Accessing education, training or work
• Building confidence and independence
• Developing routines and emotional resilience

Your life skills and experience are what young people need. You’re not expected to be available 24/7 – the aim is to guide, reassure and support rather than parent. You will need to have a flexible employer.

What we provide

You are never alone when you become a Supported Lodgings carer. Local 24/7 support is available with online and in-person groups, keeping you connected. We make sure you feel supported, respected and equipped in your role:

• £315 per week, per young person placed with you
• Young person receives their own £87.20 personal allowance
• Ongoing training delivered by experienced professionals
• We carefully match children to you and your family
• Access to a dedicated social worker
• A local network of fellow carers and support groups
• Guidance from specialist teams including mental health coordinators and clinical professionals
• Flexible arrangements that fit around existing employment

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need qualifications – just the right approach. You may be:

• A working professional with flexible hours
• Someone who has raised their own children
• A person with experience supporting young people
• Someone simply passionate about giving young people a fair chance

If you can offer time, patience and a spare room, you could make an enormous difference to a young person who just needs someone in their corner.

Ideal applicants are understanding, supportive and able to help young people who may have experienced trauma feel valued and capable.

Why Supported Lodgings?

By joining our Supported Lodgings community, you become part of a local network dedicated to improving outcomes for young people. We work closely with every carer to ensure the right match, the right support and a positive experience for both you and the young person staying with you.

Ready to help a young person build their future?

Our team will talk you through what’s involved and help you decide whether Supported Lodgings is right for you.

Learn more and apply to become a Supported Lodgings Carer through our Fostering and Supported Lodgings website.

Please note: All applications must be submitted via the Fostering and Supported Lodgings website. Please do not apply using the Apply button on this page, as any applications submitted through our system will not be reviewed.