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Supporting people

Last updated 22 May 2012

What do we provide?

Supporting People is a Government programme which funds housing-related support services including:

General information and advice
Befriending
Advocacy
Community alarms
Assistance with welfare benefits
Home improvements
Help to deal with neighbour disputes
Assistance with education and employment plans
Life skills training

This support can be provided either within your own individual home or within a specialist housing scheme such as sheltered housing, hostels or refuges. It can be short-term or on a permanent basis, depending on what is needed.

Who can have this service?

Older people
People with learning disabilities
People living with HIV
People with physical disabilities
People with substance misuse problems
People with mental health needs
People leaving prison
People who are or have been homeless
Young people leaving care
People who have experienced domestic violence
Refugees

Will I have to pay?

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit, these services are free of charge and Supporting People funding would be paid to your support provider. You can apply for Supporting People subsidy as part of your application for Housing Benefit.

If you do not receive Housing Benefit and support is tied to long-term housing, Waltham Forest needs to charge for support services. We will do this fairly; if you cannot afford to pay you will not be expected to. You can apply for an assessment under the Fairer Charging Policy. If you would like to find out more please call 020 8496 3000 and ask for the Supporting People Team or you can email supporting.people@walthamforest.gov.uk

Please note

Personal care, residential care, health care and general housing services (e.g. estate management) are not provided through the Supporting People Partnership. However, the partnership is very closely linked into Social Services, health services and Housing as services are joined up.

More information and leaflets