Croydon residents are being asked to lend their spare rooms to vulnerable young people without a bed by a homeless charity.

A new supported lodgings scheme by Centrepoint is looking for more homeowners to provide a safe environment for a homeless young person, where they can learn the life skills usually passed down to them by a parent or family member.

According to figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government, Croydon has one of the highest numbers of homeless young people in London, with more than 250 16 to 24year-olds accepted as homeless in 2011/12.

Centrepoint chief executive Seyi Obakin said: “Joining Centrepoint’s supported lodgings scheme will provide a homeless young person with more than just a safe place to stay.

"The sense of security from knowing you have a family behind you is something many of us take for granted, but it’s a luxury the 80,000 young people affected by homelessness each year in the UK just don’t have.

"The support, encouragement, and life-skills gained from living with a host in a stable family environment will provide a stepping stone out of homelessness and on to independent living."

Anyone who agrees to become a host for a young person will receive foster care-standard training, but is not expected to provide the same level of support.

They will be given £50 a week to cover household costs plus a local housing allowance for a single room.

placements can last between three months and two years.

Sky Aimez-moi, 17, who is currently staying at a Centrepoint hostel, helped design the scheme.

He said: “If I’d had the choice of staying in supported lodgings I’d have probably gone for it.

"Living in a home was something I was used to.

"Each young person needs different support. Being around just a few people could help a young person focus so living with hosts might be the best environment to help them grow.”

Mr Obakin added: "It won’t be a suitable option for all the vulnerable young people we work with, and cannot replace supported accommodation for those with additional needs.

"But for the young people and hosts that do take part, the impact will be life-changing.”

For more information visit centrepoint.org.uk/supportedlodging