Everyone should have a safe and affordable place to call home. And for some, that’s only made possible with supported housing.
Supported housing is an essential service that helps people, who could benefit from assistance with their to day to day lives, to live as independently as possible. There are many reasons that someone might want to live in supported housing. They could be disabled, homeless, elderly/frail, have mental health problems, or have experienced domestic abuse, amongst other reasons. For residents, it can be truly life changing.
Despite its value, a low profile, and a lack of understanding have reduced government investment and focus, over the years. But with the current cost of living crisis affecting residents and services everywhere, the role of supported housing is more crucial than ever.
We spoke to residents and staff from our care and support services, to find out what they think about the role of supported housing in our communities.
“I recently moved into a supported housing scheme, I have autism and I struggle to communicate when I am feeling low or anxious. The staff here have supported me incredibly well and I feel very safe.
“Staff worked with me to create a colour coded system to display on my front door, this tells staff about my mood before entering my flat. I can be very bouncy and full of energy, and they match that when I need it. When I’m feeling low, the staff know to use a soft, quiet voice and to allow me more time.
“It’s important to form relationships with staff to establish trust and set boundaries. This is the best place I’ve ever lived, and I hope I can stay here for the rest of my life.”
GG, extra care resident
“I learnt so much living in supported accommodation, I gained important life skills which built my independence. This year I took the big step to move into my own flat. I feel very independent now and in control of my own decisions.”
Sophie, temporary and move on services
“Following the breakdown of my family unit, I moved into supported housing at 16 years old. I was unable to live within the family home and too young to live independently. I was placed in supported housing by the local council, who funded the rent and staffing costs.
“I lived there for 18 months and in that time, I was supported by specialist staff who worked with me to gain the skills needed to live on my own, this included managing a home, access education and counselling. Without this service, I do not believe I would have had a chance at a happy and successful future. I see the role of government is to ensure adequate funding and to oversee regulation of a vital resource in our communities.”
Tom, Scheme Housing Officer
Four years ago, following an accident at her family home, Sheila tragically lost her leg from the hip. She spent many months recovering in hospital and at times, felt she didn’t want to live anymore. She worried about her 90-year-old visually impaired mum, who she had always lived with, being alone in the house.
She was eventually moved into a nursing home from hospital, as she was unable to return to her family home, due to it being unsuitable for her mobility and equipment. A referral was made to extra care, for a two-bed property, so mum and daughter could be reunited. They attended a joint assessment, viewed the property and accepted our offer, which was life changing for both of them.
Living in the scheme, they made friends, joined in activities and enjoyed eating their daily meal in the restaurant with their peers.
Sheila’s mum sadly passed away this year, but she was comforted knowing that her daughter was happy and supported to be able to live as independently as possible.
Sheila, extra care resident
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