For many people across Hull, the idea of becoming a supported lodgings provider feels a bit unknown.
They are not sure what is involved, whether they would be a good fit or what difference they could actually make. That is why hearing from someone who has done it, and loved it, is one of the most powerful ways to understand what supported lodgings truly is.
Busilana and his partner Laura have been supported lodgings providers for seven years. During that time they have supported a number of young people aged 16 to 21, giving them a safe place to live, encouragement, routine and the chance to feel part of a home. To help others understand what the role looks like, Busilana has filmed a short series of videos sharing honest, down to earth reflections from his own experience.
These videos show how simple acts of care can change a young person’s future.
Video 1, “Just Try It, You Might Change a Life”
In the first video, Busilana talks about something many people worry about, whether they are good enough. His message is clear, just try it. For many young people, having a family around them is something they have wanted for a long time.
He shares a moment that meant a lot to everyone, taking his two current young men to watch Hull City. Something many families do without a second thought, but for these young people it was huge. It made them feel included, wanted and part of something.
He also explains that supported lodgings is simply a normal home. It is not as scary as people imagine, and with support behind you, you are never on your own.
Video 2, “When It Feels Like Home, Everything Changes”
Here, Busilana reflects on the young people who have lived with him over the years. Many still visit, now older, and often admit that the advice he gave them back then actually helped them more than they realised.
He talks about how quickly supported lodgings begins to feel like home for everyone. You do not need to have high expectations for yourself, you do not need to be perfect and you do not need to know everything. Young people simply need somewhere safe to live and someone who cares.
You get full support from Hull Fostering, and you are never left to manage things alone.
Video 3, “It’s Not About the Bedroom, It’s About Belonging”
In this video, Busilana highlights something many people worry about, the size of the spare room. He explains that for young people, it is never about how big or modern the space is. What they want is somewhere to belong and someone who will welcome them.
He reminds us that the small things, like having a safe space to come home to and someone asking how their day has been, are often life changing for a young person who has never had that stability.
His message is simple, if you have a spare bedroom, just try it.
Video 4, “The Little Things Mean the Most”
Busilana talks about how everyday moments we barely notice can be incredibly meaningful for a young person. Sitting down for a family meal, hanging clothes on a radiator, or hearing a young person say, oh wow, it looks like a real home, are moments that stay with you.
These small day to day routines open the door for young people to chat, build trust and feel like they are part of the family. For many, it is the first time they have ever had that feeling.
Final Video, “You Can Do This, Just Take the First Step”
To close the series, Busilana explains how supported lodgings fits alongside a normal life. He has a full time job, he goes on holiday and he has a young son. The role fits around all of this.
He talks about the regular training, constant support and the meet ups with other supported lodgings providers, giving you a network of people who truly understand the role.
His encouragement is straightforward, if you are unsure, just make an enquiry. You do not need to be perfect. You just need to care.
Could You Offer a Young Person in Hull a Home and a Chance to Belong?
Supported lodgings transforms lives. Young people aged 16 to 21 need stable, caring adults who can give them routine, encouragement and a home where they can find their feet.
Busilana and Laura are living proof that ordinary families can make an extraordinary difference.
If you have a spare bedroom and a bit of time to give, please get in touch with Hull Fostering. That first step could change a young person’s future, and yours too.
Email us at fostering@hullcc.gov.uk for more information.