Around 650 organisations throughout the south west work hard every day to help some of the most vulnerable members of our communities enjoy independent and fulfilled lives. They offer practical help, support and advice through providing personalised services and extra assistance.
Now they are joining forces with the National Housing Federation to shout out about what they do during the first ‘South West Supported Housing Month’. From 14 May until 12 June they are putting on visits, tours, receptions, launches, community events and other activities, to fly the flag for the sector.
During the month, councillors, MPs and other regional decision makers from agencies such as Government Office, the South West Regional Development Agency, police and primary care trusts, are being invited to take a first-hand look at some of the region’s supported housing and floating support services.
In the south west alone:
- almost 103,000 people benefit from supported housing and floating support services. These include homeless families with support needs and homeowners needing mortgage support, older people, people with mental health problems and alcohol and drug problems among others.
- the sector provides more than 2,800 services, ranging from foyers for young people, homeless hostels and other temporary accommodation, to refuges from domestic violence, sheltered and extra care housing and supported accommodation.
- housing associations, charitable and not-for-profit organisations, private companies and individuals are making a tremendous contribution, not only to the lives of individuals, but also to regional priorities - seeking to enhance economic prosperity and reduce social and health inequalities throughout the region.
- tackling issues around housing, social care, health, crime, teenage pregnancy, homelessness and alcohol and substance misuse. In fact, every pound spent on Supporting People saves £1.79 on other public services.
It all comes amid huge changes in the way in which these important services are financed. Following an announcement in November, local authorities are now being given much more freedom to decide how they use ‘Supporting People’ grants. The removal of the ring-fence is aimed at giving councils the chance to be innovative in how they commission and provide services for vulnerable people.
This, along with other current issues will be the source of debate at the National Housing Federation / Sitra Supported Housing Conference on Thursday 14 May. The conference, which takes place at Sandy Park Conference Centre in Exeter will also bring together over 100 providers and stakeholders from across the region, and will mark the start of South West Supported Housing Month.
Myriam Kniveton, Chair of the National Housing Federation’s South West Supported Housing Forum commented: “South West Supported Housing Month is a real chance for providers across the region to stand up and be counted. Together we make a huge contribution and save public services a small fortune.
With the ending of the ring-fence and the commissioning of support services moving around within local authorities, it is absolutely vital that local politicians and other stakeholders fully appreciate the important role we already play in meeting regional priorities.”
For more information on the South West Supported Housing Month, click here.
For more information on DCH supported housing provision, click on any of the group member names: Tor or DCHA or PHA
