A homeless charity is looking for volunteers in Swindon who have a spare room they are willing to contribute.

Step by Step is expanding its services into the town and is looking for anyone who wants to support a young person in need by letting them stay in their house.

The youth charity helps those who are facing hard times and homelessness, by providing Supported Lodgings.

These are rooms in private houses for young people who are also supported by a Host.

Ordinary people from all walks of life can become Hosts, and will provide a bedroom, guidance and compassion to a young person facing difficult circumstances.

They will act as a mentor to the young person until they can move on to living independently.

Rita and Tony from Frimley, Surrey, have been Supported Lodgings Hosts for 20 years, and the couple estimate they have helped over 60 youths in that time.

“We’ve had laughs. We’ve had tears,” Rita said.

“It’s nice to see young people gain their independence and get back on their feet," added Tony.

When the couple’s own children moved out of the family home, Rita and Tony found themselves with two spare bedrooms.

Having seen news stories about homelessness and witnessed young people on the streets near their home town, the couple decided they wanted to do something to help.

On average, a youth will live with the couple for between 1 and 1.5 years, but they have also offered short-term emergency accommodation as the need has arisen.

Tony explained that communication was the key to being a successful Host, ensuring that a young person knows they can discuss any issues they are having and then taking the time to talk them through.

Most of the young people the couple have supported still keep in touch with them, sharing news of their independent lives, graduations, jobs and families of their own.

Step by Step will provide the Supported Lodging’s Hosts with full training, support and payment for each young person they look after.

Based on figures from the Young People Count 2016, the charity say one in 100 youths are predicted to experience homelessness.

However only one in five local authorities offer advocacy support for young people.

To find out more about becoming a Host, call 07809 340638 or email supportedlodgings@stepbystep.org.uk