Supported housing: more information
Frequently asked questions
This type of housing is commissioned by local authorities to ensure that individuals who are not able to live independently are given a level of housing-related support which enables them to sustain a tenancy or license. Each project has a different level of support offered and this will depend on the needs of residents and the commissioned service.
Individuals who are referred to our accommodation are either homeless, at risk of homelessness, or, are living in overcrowded and unsuitable conditions. 25% of the young people we support, are referred directly from the care system. Accommodation provided varies between independent flats for those with low housing-related support needs, to en-suite rooms with shared facilities for those requiring a higher level of housing-related support. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our accommodation and facilities and the high standard of our maintenance and refurbishment.
Our housing-related support is designed to help people live independently. It includes offering advice and support on self-care and hygiene, nutrition and cooking, life and work skills, personal relationships and community involvement. It also includes basic aspects of independent living such as maintaining conditions of rooms/flats, advice on security, and guidance on the use of domestic equipment. Support is also offered around managing personal finance, budgeting, maintaining payments, avoidance of building up debt and saving towards their future. It also includes advice and support in claiming housing benefits, universal credit etc.
Low, medium and high housing-related support, refers to the amount of time available to residents based on an assessment made by the referring body. We would typically provide one to two hours a week of housing-related support to residents referred into the service with low support needs and up to four or four and a half hours per week for those requiring medium levels of housing-related support. This support could involve direct engagement with the resident or could be support given on their behalf (such as applying for grants or other support for them).
The housing-related support provided is voluntary and not mandatory. However, this sort of supported accommodation is in high demand and it is an expectation of the tenancy, that tenants will use the available housing-related support provided by us. Those who do not use the support available will be expected to move on to other accommodation.
The support provided includes working with tenants to maximise their physical and emotional wellbeing but specialist mental health and wellbeing support is provided by other agencies. Counselling is not part of the housing-related support offer. We do not provide personal care and where intervention is required this is a statutory responsibility of the local authority.
Approximately one third of the housing we provide is 24 hour supported accommodation. Residents referred into this accommodation, are likely to have complex and/or multiple support needs including a combination of alcohol/drug misuse, physical health conditions and mental health concerns.
Residents may need access to support at all times and this type of accommodation has a staff presence on site, 24 hours a day, every day for 365 days a year. Residents will have a set amount of support time which could include both direct face-to-face support as well as support given on their behalf (ie - completing forms for them). In addition, group and community activities are made available and residents are encouraged to take part.
Important things to know
We allocate our homes in accordance with our allocations policy. In most instances, we receive referrals for accommodation through our partners, for young people in need of our accommodation and support based services. You can read our policy here.
When we deal with antisocial behaviour (ASB), we take several steps to ensure everyone in the community feels safe and respected. First, we would speak to you and other people to establish what the issues are and think about how we can help resolve them. We work to encourage positive interactions and draw up action plans to address specific issues. If necessary, we can issue warnings to those causing problems. By working closely with residents and other agencies, we aim to create a peaceful and supportive living environment you can see our policy on anti social behaviour here.
Our accommodation services are all linked to support we provide, in accordance with your needs. We will talk to you about getting ready for more independent living when you live with us, and what options are available in the area you want to live in. Â
Managing repairs and ensuring a safe communal environment is a top priority for us.
 We regularly inspect the property to identify any issues that need fixing, in the communal areas, grounds outside or other communal spaces. You can report any maintenance from inside your home to your support worker or other staff on site. They will make the necessary arrangements to have the repair completed. We assign a priority to the repair, and which means we will complete it within a certain amount of time.
We will always make an appointment with you to carry out a repair in your home, and we will ask you if you are satisfied with the work that has been completed.
We are you to be vigilant and report any repairs of problems you spot to ensure the environment remains as safe as possible for everyone.
We also encourage tenants to follow safety guidelines and report any hazards. By staying proactive and responsive, we can all create a comfortable and secure living space for everyone.
We must make sure your home and our properties meet the Decent Homes standard, which is set out by Government.
We allocate our homes based on your needs, if you feel you need an adaptation to your current home please contact your support worker. We assess all requests on an individual basis. We also work with Local Authorities in each relevant area and comply with their disabled facilities grants procedures.
Have you had a repair recently? You can report how satisfied you were here
How you can tell us what you think
Do you want to join the Residents Youth Council?
Join other residents from different houses and have your say in how your homes are run.
You will be involved in four meetings over the year where you will:
- Suggest changes that will help all residents
- Give input into our policies and ways of manager housing (rent, repairs, complaints etc)
- See resident feedback from across all our homes and decide ways to make improvements
- Be invited to a day trip out (e.g. to Alton Towers)
If you are passionate about making positive changes about your home and other peoples homes, come join the Youth Council and have your voice heard!
If you want to join, please email [email protected] or ask your project worker to email her and she will be in touch to explain more.
Join the YMCA DownsLink Group's Youth Ambassadors!
By becoming a Youth Ambassador with YMCA e-wellbeing you will have the opportunity to:
- Attend monthly meetings with other team members
- Help to design for our social media and websites
- Take part in focus groups about mental health
- Join our social events and activities
- And lots more!
Sign up to our Youth Ambassador's here.
