Appeal for more hosts to offer young people a home

Leon, 18 and Pat, 76, were paired together on the scheme earlier this year

A scheme pairing young adults who have often been in care with people who have a spare room is looking for new hosts.

The Stepping Stones project, run by Somerset Council, provides homes for people aged 18 to 21 who are moving from care to adulthood, with the host getting financial support.

Leon, 18, and Pat, 76, were paired together in January 2025 and Leon said it's given him a lot of confidence and that Pat is "like a nan" to him.

Pat, who has hosted seven people in the last 10 years, said: "I feel a lot younger with a young person in my life. It is a great pleasure to share my life with them and see them move on to become independent adults."

Leon said: "We get on a lot. When we first met I was really nervous but it's turned into a friendship and family now."

Stepping Stones carers receive weekly payments and training to help support them financially, plus a contribution from the young person towards food and utilities.

Leon gave a speech in Westminster about the scheme earlier in November

He added: "I was in a tough spot and I was recommended this scheme and it's really helped me out.

"Pat helps me with so much, from shopping to budgeting and helping with my work. She's like a grandmother."

As part of the National Supported Lodgings Week, Fostering in Somerset's Stepping Stones team were invited to attend a parliamentary reception in Westminster with Leon and Pat giving a speech.

Leon continued: "I'd never really gone out of Somerset, so I was like, wow, a speech in London. It was a brilliant achievement."

Pat supports Leon with his studies and just general life advice

Pat, who had a 30-year teaching career, has had seven young people live at her home in Somerset over the past 10 years and said it was really "rewarding".

She said: "I'd recommend it even if you have a small house, as long as you've got one room.

"You don't have to worry even if you live by yourself because there's plenty of support.

"You learn about how young people think, which is very different from how we were brought up, and the sort of lives that they lead. It's rewarding for both of us."

Cllr Heather Shearer said it's so "fulfilling" when they get the matching right

Cllr Heather Shearer, lead member for children, families and education at Somerset Council said: "This scheme plays a crucial role in helping young people transition from care to independent adulthood.

"I think we underestimate young people and we underestimate old people and they both have a lot to offer and popping them together is brilliant."

Somerset Council continue to look for volunteers to host young people as they only have around 20 pairings currently.

Everyone who provides accommodation is vetted by the council.