Our Supported Lodgings Scheme provides safe, secure and stable accommodation for young people, coupled with our professional support and guidance to help them move on to live independently or reunite with their families.
17 year old Leon is just one of the young people to benefit from this service. He came to us when he felt he could no longer live at home and we found him a room with a host family, providing a stable home life. This was coupled with ongoing support to help Leon learn to live independently. Leon’s support worker was on hand to help him apply for benefits and learn important life skills including budgeting, cooking and cleaning.
When we found out Leon was an aspiring actor we encouraged him to participate in the Hampshire Charity Youth Theatre programme. This is a platform for young performers to work alongside professional actors. Thanks to our personalisation fund, we were even able to pay for the bus fare to get him to rehearsals at Southampton’s Nuffield Theatre.
Appearing on stage was the realisation of a personal ambition for Leon, and something that he had previously felt unable to achieve. It was not until he moved into supported lodgings that he felt stable in his environment and confident enough to take part in the theatre group.
Due to his outstanding performance and his general enthusiasm, Leon has since been offered a voluntary job at the Nuffield Theatre and is now a member of the Nuffield Youth Theatre. With our help and support, he has transformed his life and now feels confident to make decisions about his future.
“Being with Two Saints and my host landlords, has helped me to have confidence and believe in myself. I’m really pleased to have this opportunity”