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Becoming a Host with The Filo Project

At The Filo Project, we offer more than just day care for older people; we create an environment where meaningful connections and friendships can flourish. Becoming a Host is an opportunity to work from home, make a tangible difference in the lives of older people, and be part of a supportive team dedicated to enriching the lives of others.


If you’re considering becoming a Host, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about the role, from key responsibilities to the practical requirements of hosting in your home.

Smiling people on Filo day with host

Who We Are


The Filo Project is a not-for-profit social enterprise offering high-quality day care for older people who may be socially isolated or experiencing symptoms of early to moderate dementia, including memory loss. Since our establishment in 2014, we have grown steadily and now provide care across Devon, Torbay, Somerset, Cornwall, East Lancashire, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. 


Our approach is simple yet effective: we create a safe, engaging, and socially stimulating environment for clients, where they feel valued, supported, and at ease. This model of care offers an alternative to traditional day care settings, enabling older people to build friendships and enjoy meaningful days out in a home-from-home environment.


What Does a Host Do?


As a Host, you will provide day care in your home for up to four clients. Your key duties include:


  • Creating a welcoming space: Ensure your home offers a safe, comfortable, and socially engaging environment where clients feel valued and included.

  • Meaningful activities: Plan and facilitate engaging activities tailored to the interests and abilities of your clients, ensuring everyone feels involved.

  • Home-cooked meals: Provide a fresh, nutritious lunch along with snacks and drinks throughout the day.

  • Transporting clients: Use your car to safely collect clients from their homes in the morning and return them home at the end of the day.

  • Providing support: Offer emotional support and, on rare occasions, physical assistance.

  • Recording information: Use The Filo Project Hosting App to record key information about the day.


Why Become a Host?


Becoming a Host with The Filo Project is a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people, their families, and your community. Here’s what makes Hosting such a rewarding role:


  • Meaningful Work: As a Host, you’ll provide care and companionship to older people, creating a space where they feel valued and supported. Few roles offer such a direct opportunity to positively impact someone’s life.

  • Support for Families: Your care provides families with vital respite, allowing them to rest, recharge, or focus on other commitments. This helps carers maintain their own well-being, enabling them to better support their loved ones.

  • Seeing Clients Flourish: Filo days can bring noticeable improvements to clients’ well-being, with many experiencing positive changes in their symptoms. 

  • Building Connections: Hosting is about forming meaningful relationships. You’ll connect with clients on a personal level, learning about their stories and interests, which makes your work even more fulfilling.

  • Creating a Place of Comfort and Joy: Your home becomes a welcoming haven for clients—a space where they feel safe, relaxed, and included. 


Person Specification: What Makes a Great Host?


Hosting is a rewarding role, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Successful Hosts share the following qualities:


  • Friendly and Creative: A warm personality with the ability to think creatively about how to engage clients in enjoyable activities.

  • Physically Fit: Capable of safely assisting clients and managing daily activities independently.

  • Confident and Self-Motivated: Able to make good decisions and manage responsibilities when working alone.

  • IT-Literate: Comfortable using apps and technology to record information and communicate with your team.

  • Compassionate and Patient: You will need empathy, common sense, and patience to create a supportive environment for your clients.

  • Professional Boundaries: Build appropriate relationships with clients while maintaining professionalism.


Your Home: The Perfect Space for Hosting


To host clients in your home, your space must meet the following requirements:


  • Accessibility: Your home should have level or easy access for clients who use walking aids.

  • Parking: Parking should be available within a safe and convenient distance.

  • Facilities: An easily accessible downstairs toilet is essential.

  • Space: You must be able to comfortably accommodate up to five people (including yourself) for a full day, with relaxed seating and a dining area.

  • Connectivity: A reliable mobile phone signal or a landline telephone is required for safety and communication.


Your Car: Ensuring Safe Transport


Your car will play a vital role in hosting, as it is used to collect and return clients home safely. It must meet the following criteria:


  • Capacity: Space for five adults, including yourself.

  • Seatbelts: Three full seatbelts in the back seat.

  • Accessibility: A five-door car for easy entry and exit.


Benefits of Becoming a Host: 


  • Work-Life Balance: Host from the comfort of your own home.

  • Excellent Rates of Pay: Earn £104–£130 per day, plus allowances for food and travel expenses.

  • Part-Time Work: Work up to 16 hours per week (two full days). 

  • Supportive Team: Be part of a dedicated network of Hosts and Area coordinators.

  • Blue Light Card: You will be eligible for a Blue Light Card, offering access to discounts on thousands of brands. 


Training and Support


At The Filo Project, we provide comprehensive training to prepare you for the role, including:


  • First Aid, Infection Control, Moving and Handling, Dementia Awareness, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, and Data Protection.

  • Ongoing support and regular appraisals from your Area Coordinator.

  • Your Area Coordinator will also carry out a home risk assessment before you begin hosting and offer guidance and support whenever needed.


What Our Hosts Say

Testimonial from host

“It has been lovely to meet so many wonderful, interesting and fascinating people since I joined The Filo Project. To see our clients interacting, chatting and being happy makes the days fly by. It has also added something special to our family home and developed our awareness of just how unique and special we all are.” Justin, Host


Why Join Now?


This is an exciting time to become a Host with The Filo Project as we expand into new areas, bringing our vital services to more people. By joining our team, you’ll be helping us ensure that older people can continue to enjoy fulfilling and socially connected lives.


Our Locations


We currently operate in Devon, Torbay, Somerset, Cornwall, East Lancashire, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. However, we are always working towards expanding our service into new areas. 


How to Apply


If you think hosting could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our ‘Work with Us’ page to find out more and access an application form. For recruitment queries, contact us at recruitment@thefiloproject.co.uk or call 0333 939 8225.


Make a meaningful difference from your own home—become a Host with The Filo Project.

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