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An 18th birthday is regarded by many as the first step into adulthood, but in reality it is rarely more daunting than a drink at the pub for the first time or deciding for which party to vote.

Things are more difficult for children in care. Although many choose to leave at 16, they can opt to stay until 18. At that age, many are left to fend for themselves and it is no surprise that this sudden transition to full independence can be a struggle.

Recognising the need to support these vulnerable teenagers, Action for Children, one of the charities supported by The Times Christmas Appeal, is helping to provide a stepping stone. The charity helps to find and train providers of “supported lodgings”. These are people who understand that those leaving care need more support than just a roof over their heads. They are also willing to put in some time helping these young people to learn “life skills” – everything from how to cook to how to budget.

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Nearly three years ago, Aaron Bonsell, 20, from Chesterfield, was approaching the time when he would have to leave the foster parent whom he had been with for 4½ years.

“I got told about some people who went straight into independence and struggled,” Aaron said. “I didn’t want to be in that situation.”

Making this transition has proved too difficult for many children in care. A third of homeless people have been in care, as have a third of young offenders and a quarter of adult prisoners. Since 2004, only 1 per cent of care-leavers have made it to university.

At 21 there is no longer a statutory requirement to provide support to those who have been in care – but the average age at which most people leave the family home is 24.

Action for Children believes that more care-leavers could benefit from staying in supported lodgings before striking out on their own. However, not many choose this option, with only about 100 providers of supported lodgings in the country.

Supported lodgings schemes tend to attract the most public-spirited of people. One of them is Ian Edmundson, 61, who took Aaron in two years ago. He had just moved to Chesterfield after separating from his wife and had considered fostering in the past, but then saw an advertisement in the local paper looking for supported lodgings providers to come forward.

“I felt like I wanted to give something back to the community because I didn’t feel I had done very much in the past few years,” he said.

After a few weeks’ training, he was ready to take someone in and by then Aaron needed somewhere to stay.

“The main sacrifice is your own space and privacy,” Mr Edmundson said. “You have to be prepared to live with somebody, but it’s the same as sharing a house with people, or a family life. You need to look into it, but the good thing is the feeling you’re helping someone.”

Mr Edmundson also admits that the financial incentive helped to persuade him. The Chesterfield scheme pays lodgings providers close to £120 a week, with the care-leaver providing an extra £20 on top, but the amount paid differs across the country.

“There’s also a big focus on helping young people realise how they will cope emotionally, living on their own,” said Mandy Bent, a supported lodgings co-ordinator for Action for Children. “It’s about helping to boost self-esteem and confidence.”

In Aaron and Mr Edmundson’s case, it turned out that they had a few things in common. Both enjoy reading and games of chess. “My chess skills have improved,” Aaron said. “Not got close to beating him, though.”

Mr Edmundson has helped Aaron to learn how to control his money and taught him how to cook a dish or two. “He makes as good as flapjack as I do now,” he said.

This year Aaron moved out, and is studying at university. Keen on adventure sports such as canoeing and abseiling, he hopes to become an outdoor activities worker in the future.

“It’s definitely a good idea if you’re not that confident about living on your own,” Aaron said.

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