Become A Host Chichester: Transform Lives While Sharing Your Home
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in your community? 3 Bridge Solution invites you to join our network of compassionate hosts in Chichester, providing safe, supportive homes for young people in need. By opening your door, you open possibilities that change lives forever.
Why Become a Host with 3 Bridge Solution?
Becoming a supported lodgings host is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to your community. At 3 Bridge Solution, we’ve created a programme that benefits both hosts and young people, ensuring positive experiences and outcomes for everyone involved.
When you become a host in Chichester, you’re not just providing accommodation – you’re offering stability, guidance, and hope to a young person at a crucial point in their life journey.
What Does Being a Host Involve?
As a host family with 3 Bridge Solution, you’ll provide:
- A furnished bedroom in your home
- Access to shared facilities such as bathroom and kitchen
- A supportive, nurturing environment
- Guidance with everyday life skills
- Encouragement towards independence
- A positive adult role model
Our hosts come from all walks of life – working professionals, retired couples, single people, and families with older children. What unites them is a desire to make a difference and the capacity to offer understanding and patience to a young person in need.
Who Will You Be Supporting?
The young people in our supported housing programme are typically aged 16-25 and may be:
- Care leavers transitioning to independence
- Young people unable to live with their families
- Those at risk of homelessness
- Refugees or asylum seekers
- Young people ready to move on from more intensive support settings
Each young person is carefully assessed before placement to ensure they’re ready for a supported lodgings environment. They will be engaged in education, training, or employment, or actively working towards this with our support.
The Support You’ll Receive as a Host
We understand that welcoming a young person into your home is a significant commitment. That’s why our host support programme provides comprehensive assistance every step of the way:
Before Placement
- Thorough information sessions about the role
- Comprehensive training covering all aspects of hosting
- Detailed assessment process to ensure hosting is right for you
- Home safety checks and necessary adaptations advice
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all household members
During Placement
- Regular supervision and check-ins with your dedicated support worker
- 24/7 emergency on-call service
- Ongoing training opportunities
- Host support groups and social events
- Practical advice for specific situations
Financial Support
Hosts receive a weekly allowance to cover the costs associated with providing accommodation and support. This typically ranges from £150-£250 per week depending on the level of support provided and local funding arrangements.
This allowance recognises the valuable service you provide and ensures you’re not left out of pocket for essentials like increased utility bills, food, and household supplies.
The Difference You’ll Make
“Becoming a supported lodgings provider has been the most rewarding experience. Watching my lodger grow in confidence, learn new skills, and eventually move into their own flat was incredibly fulfilling. The support from 3 Bridge Solution made the whole journey smooth and positive for both of us.”
— Current Host, Chichester
By becoming a host, you’ll:
- Provide stability during a crucial transition period
- Help a young person develop essential life skills
- Build their confidence and self-esteem
- Support their journey towards independence
- Potentially form a lasting, meaningful connection
- Make a tangible difference to youth homelessness in Chichester
The Hosting Journey: What to Expect
1. Initial Enquiry
Your journey begins when you contact us to express interest. We’ll provide initial information and answer any questions you might have about our hosting programme.
2. Information Session
Attend a no-obligation information session to learn more about what hosting involves, meet current hosts, and hear about their experiences first-hand.
3. Application and Assessment
If you decide to proceed, we’ll guide you through our thorough assessment process, including references, DBS checks, and home visits. This typically takes 2-3 months to complete.
4. Training
Complete our comprehensive training programme, covering everything from safeguarding to supporting young people with life skills.
5. Matching Process
We carefully match hosts with young people based on location, lifestyle, preferences, and needs to ensure compatibility and the best chance of a successful placement.
6. Ongoing Support
Once a young person moves in, your dedicated support worker will maintain regular contact, providing guidance and assistance throughout the placement.
Why Host in Chichester?
Chichester offers an ideal environment for supported accommodation:
- A safe, welcoming community with strong neighbourhood connections
- Excellent educational opportunities through Chichester College and the University of Chichester
- Good transport links making it easier for young people to access work and education
- A range of employment opportunities across various sectors
- Beautiful surroundings including Chichester Harbour and the South Downs
- Rich cultural life through Chichester Festival Theatre and local museums
- Strong voluntary sector providing additional support services
These factors make Chichester an ideal location for young people transitioning to independence, offering both opportunities and a supportive community atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Host
Do I need a spare room?
Yes, you’ll need a spare bedroom that provides adequate space and privacy for a young person.
Can I continue working full-time?
Absolutely! Most of our hosts work full-time. The support you provide happens naturally alongside everyday life.
How long do young people stay?
Placements typically last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the young person’s needs and development.
Can I take holidays?
Yes, we can arrange temporary cover if needed, though many young people are independent enough to stay in the home while you’re away for short periods.
What if it doesn’t work out?
We work hard to ensure good matches, but if difficulties arise, we’ll work with you to resolve them. Notice periods are built into agreements if a placement needs to end.
Support Services Available in Chichester
You may browse our range of local services including Supported Housing for Young People Chichester, Supported Lodgings Chichester, our Supported Lodgings Host Programme Chichester and tailored Supported Lodging Chichester. Additional support includes Host Families for Vulnerable Youth Chichester, guidance to Become a Host Chichester, charitable pathways through Supported Lodgings Charity Chichester and structured development via Supported Accommodation 16–25 Chichester. We also provide information for Supported Lodgings Hosts Chichester and full placement options under Supported Lodging Service Chichester.
Take the First Step to Become a Host in Chichester
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a supported lodgings host with 3 Bridge Solution, we’d love to hear from you. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Please call us on 01293 265 109 to speak with a member of our team about hosting opportunities in Chichester.
For more information about our approach, success stories, and the impact of our supported lodgings programme, feel free to browse our website.
You can also connect with us on Facebook to see updates and insights from our current hosts and the young people we support.
Become a host with 3 Bridge Solution in Chichester – where opening your home opens doors to a young person’s future.
