Swindon Supported Lodgings

Swindon Borough Council invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced service providers for the provision of Swindon Supported Lodgings Supported Lodgings is a specific type of semi-independent accommodation, where a young person lives with a family/couple/single person (the 'Host') sharing their home. The young person is a member of the household, not a member of the family, but will share in some household/family experiences.

The young person is provided with safe and appropriate accommodation, guidance and support to help prepare them for living independently. The Supported Lodgings hosts work alongside and in conjunction with others working with the young person promoting their practical, social and emotional development, in keeping with the young person's Pathway Plan (or Support Plan if the young person is not a child looked after or care leaver).

It is envisaged that the young person will progress, developing new skills and confidence and the level of support offered by the host and Provider will reduce as the young person moves towards greater independence and the eventual move to independent living. Aims and Objectives of the Service To develop and deliver an effective 'supported lodgings' service, which provides young people with safe, stable, semi-independent accommodation in nurturing family homes, supporting them to feel physically and emotionally secure at a time of significant change.

Providing young people with support to prepare them to move on to independence and accommodation that best meets their needs. Provide consistent, trusting relationships for vulnerable young people to reduce their risk of exploitation as adults and minimise the impact of childhood neglect, abuse and/or trauma.

The Host will model for the young person a positive way of living and engaging with the wider community/society. To respond flexibly to the needs of individual young people, to encourage them to develop independence skills, problem-solving capacity and emotional resilience.

To support and empower young people to make positive changes in their lives and establish healthy relationships with others. To support young people to remain in or engage with education, employment or training.

To support young people and their families to return home if safe to do so. To support young people to access specialist support for their additional needs, including substance misuse, emotional wellbeing and/or mental health, where required.

The initial contract term will be for 36 months with an option to extend for a further 24 months (in periods of no less than 6 months at one time) for a potential total contract term of 5 years as stated in the ITT documents. Estimated contract spend is between £600,000 and £1,146,000 across the initial 3 year contract term and between £1,000,000 and £1,910,000 across the potential total 5 year contract term. Full details are provided in the tender documents