Supported Lodgings

The Albert Kennedy Trust is best known for our supported lodgings scheme.

We match lesbian, gay bisexual and trans people with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people who are homeless, living in a hostile environment or in crisis. Carers can be couples, single people or families with children.

To be a carer you need:

• To have an appropriate spare room
• Positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans
• Be aged 21+
• Live in Greater Manchester or London (any London borough)
• Be prepared to undergo a 6 month+ training & assessment process

The young people referred to the Trust have often experienced discrimination from their families or within the care system that has resulted in their becoming homeless.

Our supported lodgings carers usually work with young people aged 16-21 (up to 25 in exceptional circumstances) and most placements last 6-18 months. Carers both provide a home and help young people towards independence.

Assessment/Training:

AKT uses the national Foster Care Minimum Standards as our baseline and guide for assessing and training potential new carers.

As well as completing a detailed application form you will be visited at your home several times by our Placement Worker who will guide you through caring for young people every step of the way. Full training is provided and you will receive ongoing support from Trust staff and peer carers. A weekly allowance is payable to you when you have a young person living with you.

The process can take a minimum of 6 months but may take longer depending on the resources available to AKT at any one time.

Download a London Carers Application Form

Download a Manchester Carers Application Form