Mersey ‘mum’ to more than 70 says if there’s a limit to love she’s not reached it yet

As a ‘householder’ for Local Solutions’ Supported Lodgings scheme Lisa Earle has been ‘mum’ to more than 70 young people as well as her own son Adam.

“That is a lot of love to spread around,” she says.

And then she smiles: “If there is a limit, then I’ve not reached it yet!”

Lisa, 51, has spent 27 years offering room in her home, and support and guidance to young homeless people, helping to prepare them for an independent life on their own.

It’s a role she loves, and it’s not hard to see why; because Lisa understands more than most the huge difference it can make.

“I was the first young person in Knowsley to have a place in the Supported Lodgings programme, or MAP (Merseyside Accommodation Project) as it was known then.

“And I always said that if I was in a position in life to pay it forward and do for someone else what others had done for me, then I was absolutely going to.

“As soon as I had a spare room I called up the team and said ‘it’s yours’.

“It’s a chance to give someone a better life, or just to help set them up to survive – and that’s enough.” 

The Supported Lodgings programme is run by city charity Local Solutions across the whole of Liverpool City Region and North Wales.

It provides a vital service and support system for young homeless people aged 16-21, providing them with a safe and stable place to stay while they move towards greater independence.

Some might have been in the care system; others might need a safe space because of drugs or domestic violence in the family home, or they have a parent with a new partner they don’t get on with.

There are many reasons why people might become involved in the Supported Lodgings programme. But for every one of them, it’s a lifeline.

Lisa was 16 when she moved into supported lodgings.

She explains:

“I was in care from the age of 11 after a family breakdown. 

“The children’s home was an experience.  It wasn’t great, but for me it wasn’t terrible.

“But, because no one really cared if I went to school or not, I didn’t. And I left school at 15 with no qualifications (although I did get my first degree in my 40s and a Masters in February this year),” says Lisa, who is head of service for a social housing company. 

Lisa got a job, working first for Iceland and then for Ethel Austin’s clothing store.

“The problem was I was living as an adult in the day, but as a child at night, having to abide by the rules of the care home, like being in for 9pm. It didn’t really work.”

Social Services decided the new MAP might work for Lisa, and she spent two years with different families before getting her own flat at the age of 18.

“The scheme was pretty life-changing for me.  In a care home everything is done for you, so I learned to cook – you’d never have been allowed in the kitchen! – and clean, and budget.

“I learned the basics of survival.

“I also learned about being on my own. In a care home it’s quite crowded, there’s no private space, and that – as well as being part of a family – takes a bit of getting used to.”

Now Lisa is a ‘householder’ for Local Solutions’ Supported Lodgings service, offering a home and hope for young people like her

She met husband Mark and lived first in Wavertree where she had her son Adam who’s now 28. 

When she moved to a three-bedroom home in Huyton, she offered the spare room to someone via Supported Lodgings, and she has since had a two-bedroom extension built so she can offer to house three people at a time.

“It was hard.  Me and Mark were both working full time, and we had a young child, but I was in my 20s and young enough to build a good rapport with these young people – and not be shockable!

“Offering supported lodgings is about being there for them, offering emotional support as well as guidance; helping them stay in education or employment, and being that example for them.  Some have come out of very chaotic homes.

“You make sure they become equipped with the basic skills they need to survive in life, like cooking and cleaning, budgeting, how to shop and read washing labels, and dealing with bills.

“They stay around two to to-and-a-half years, although you can ask for an extension if you think people aren’t ready to leave and be on their own. I have only ever asked for two people to be moved.

“We both love it.  They all call Mark ‘pops’ and we get to watch them flourish and move into their own homes – and that’s lovely because they’re there because of everything here.

“I love thinking I have been a part of that – you can’t put it into words. You do become attached and I do become a mum to people if they want that. Some don’t, they just want a safe space. But I’m not asking someone to rent a space, I’m inviting them into my home, our home, and be part of our family.

“It can make a huge difference to someone and let’s not shy away from the fact, especially in the current climate, that there is an income to help.

“Life is never dull. It keeps you young and it’s amazing to help someone make their way in the world and have all that love coming back.

“I keep in touch with a lot of the young people who found a home with us – and it’s incredible when some come back with their own families even years later to say ‘I never said thank you’.  That means the world.”

If you’re interested in becoming involved in Local Solutions’ Supported Lodgings service, find out more here.

Or get in touch with Max Watterson at mwatterson@localsolutions.org.uk, or on 07971 477079.

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