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Supporting people

What is Supporting People?

Supporting People is a major government initiative for the funding and organisation of supported housing which came into effect in April 2003.

The aim of Supporting People is to improve the quality and effectiveness of the support services that have developed across the country in an unstructured and somewhat haphazard fashion over a number of years. It will ensure that provision is focused on local need, that services are more structured and integrated and that the new funding arrangements are transparent, accountable and cost effective.

Supporting People provides housing related support to help people to live independently in the community, whether in their own homes or in hostels, sheltered housing or other specialised supported housing. It should help older people remain independent, help younger people such as those leaving care to prepare for independent living and help those leaving institutions (e.g. prison) or those who have been homeless, in setting up their own homes - sometimes for the first time.

Supporting People provides support for people who may also need personal care but it is not a substitute for Community Care packages. The type of support it will cover includes debt counselling, life skills training, adaptations, neighbour disputes, form filling, paying bills and provision of emergency alarms.

A supporting people strategy has been written to ensure these support services are adequately delivered in Richmond upon Thames.

How can I find out more about Supporting People?

For guidance on the new system contact the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM):