Park Lodge was established as a hostel for young single homeless people in 1972 by local residents, at 2 Central Avenue in response to the need for accommodation for young homeless 16 –25 year olds in Leicester. Park Lodge has for the most part of its history been just the building at 2 Central Avenue. At 2 Central Avenue the project offers eleven single bedrooms and communal accommodation. This building is staffed on a 24- hour basis and offers more intensive staff support and supervision to the most needy and vulnerable service users. With the addition of the 4 outer properties the project now has 25 bed spaces spread over 5 buildings. The 4 outer properties are used as first stage move on and are for more independent service users, who are waiting for their own tenancies.

With the implementation of the Supporting People initiative Park Lodge is very much a young people’s supported living project now, rather than a basic hostel. The project staff work with the young people using a person centred approach on a one to one basis to gain independent living skills. Through listening to the young people the culture has now changed and the young people see Park Lodge Project as their home rather than a hostel.

The project has established a first class reputation in the Voluntary Sector and has housed well over one thousand young, single homeless people since it’s commencement. We are receiving a minimum of 300 referrals a year and with only 25 bed spaces our service is always in demand. The young people who use the services often have very chaotic life styles and a multitude of problems ranging from drug and alcohol problems, offending behaviour, or they have been abused sexually, physically or emotionally. Many of the young people have no idea about how to claim for benefits, budget their money, shop for food or are able to keep their rooms or their selves clean. The young people that we accommodate are some of the most disadvantaged, marginalised and socially excluded young people in the community and they often display challenging and anti social behaviour, however, the staff team at Park Lodge Project work with them individually and as a group to make a difference to their lives to help them become valued members of the larger community.

If you would like to visit Park Lodge Project or have further informal talks with the Project Manager please contact us on 0116 270 7319.