When Deborah opens up about her experience as a Supported Lodgings host to a young woman called Paige, it’s clear how much it matters to her. She speaks with a deep sense of pride and connection—an unmistakable warmth in her voice as she describes the young woman who has been living with her for nearly a year.
“She’d been through a lot when she arrived,” Deborah shares. “Everything was up in the air for her. But slowly, I saw her settle. I watched her start to think beyond just surviving—to dream about what she really wants in life. It’s an incredible thing to witness. And honestly, it’s a privilege to be part of that.”
For Deborah, being a host is about more than providing a place to stay. It’s about building a relationship based on trust and care.
“I think we were really well matched,” she says with a smile. “We’ve got a similar sense of humour. We just get each other. She loves animals—I’ve got two cats—so she fitted in really well.”
It’s those moments of connection, the small wins, that mean the most. Deborah recalls a conversation that still brings a lump to her throat.
“One day, she told me about a disagreement with a friend and how she realised her reaction was tied to things from her past. She said, ‘I understood why I reacted that way, and I want to handle it better next time.’ That kind of self-awareness at 19 is incredible. I was so proud of her. Seeing her own that growth—she was proud too. That’s what makes this so special.”
Deborah’s role as a host is part mentor, part flatmate, and always supportive. It’s about being there when it matters—sometimes with advice, sometimes just to listen.
“We talk a lot. Not in a fixed way, but we check in with each other—usually once a week, we’ll sit down and chat. She’s working as a dog walker now, and we’ve had lots of conversations about balancing work and life, how to ask for time off, how to be a good flatmate. These are everyday things, but they’re important.”
And it’s not a one-way street. Paige’s growth has inspired Deborah to reflect on her own life, too.
“She told me she’d been thinking about her purpose in life. It made me stop and think about mine. These conversations, this relationship—it’s mutual. We’re both growing in different ways.”
There’s no doubt in Deborah’s mind how rewarding this experience has been.
“You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to care. It’s not about being a parent. It’s about being a consistent, trusted person in someone’s life. Sometimes that’s as simple as saying ‘good morning’ and ‘good night.’ But it can change everything.”
Deborah admits that not every day is easy—there are ups and downs, just like in any living situation. But the connection she’s built with Paige is something she treasures.
“I genuinely miss her when she’s away,” Deborah says, her voice softening. “And she misses me too, I see her as a flatmate. It’s become a real home for both of us. That’s what makes it so special.”
Paige is already dreaming big. She wants to become a tattoo artist—something Deborah encourages with excitement.
“She’s got a real talent,” Deborah beams. “And now she’s starting to believe in herself too. I can’t wait to see what she does next. She’s got so much potential. The future deserves her.”
Deborah’s final message is simple but heartfelt:
“If you’ve got the emotional capacity to do it, absolutely go for it. It’s such an incredible experience. You’ll be surprised how much it gives you back.”