Sweet smells and tiny hands covered in flour filled The Lodge Supported Housing this Halloween as mums and their children joined a seasonal baking session together.
Located on the Isle of Wight, The Lodge supported housing for young mothers provides a safe home and practical support for single mothers and pregnant women aged 16–25. Many of the residents have experienced instability or housing insecurity before arriving here.
Up to ten families live at The Lodge at any one time. Each is supported through a mix of private rooms, shared communal areas and a two-bedroom training flat that helps mums prepare for independent living. This home is surrounded by private gardens and close to local parks and beaches, offering families space to breathe and recover.
Find out more about our housing services here.
Learning confidence through everyday experiences
Cooking forms a key part of the life skills programme delivered by our YMCA team. The sessions cover practical skills like budgeting, nutrition and meal planning.
The Halloween baking activity was supported by the Household Support Fund, which allows us to provide ingredients and regular group sessions. As a result, young mothers can enjoy time with their children while learning to plan and prepare meals on a budget. These small, achievable steps help families live confidently and independently once they move on from The Lodge.
Building community and stability
Everyday moments, mixing ingredients and decorating biscuits, strengthen bonds between mothers and their children. They also help residents build friendships within The Lodge’s supportive community.
Each family receives personalised guidance from a dedicated early years practitioner. They are also supported with access local nurseries, education and work opportunities. Because of this continued guidance, young mothers develop the skills they need to manage their homes and lead independent lives.
Thanks to the ongoing support of the Household Support Fund and the generosity of community partners, families at The Lodge supported housing for young mothers are reminded that progress often begins with small, shared experiences.
