More choice in sheltered housing
From October 2008, the Council will introduce a new way of allocating sheltered accommodation to housing applicants. All sheltered housing vacancies will be advertised through the Choice Homes magazine instead of the Council making a direct offer. This will allow sheltered housing applicants to take a more active role in choosing where they want to live.
People who are aged 50 years and over and are in need of some support to live independently will be able to bid for a number of Council and housing association sheltered schemes. Sheltered housing, or warden-controlled housing, offers independent, secure living for older people in a community setting, with the option to participate in social activities.
Residents have their own flat or studio with their own front door, rent book and tenancy agreement. Some properties are suitable for couples while others would suit a single occupant. Each scheme has a manager on hand during office hours from Monday to Friday. There is also a 24 hour alarm service and security with controlled door entry systems.
Who can apply?
To apply you will need to register on the Council’s housing waiting list and be aged 50 years and over. We also welcome applications from customers in other boroughs that may have a connection with the Waltham Forest area.
If you would like to comment on the change or require more information, please contact the Allocations, Choice and Mobility Team on 020 8496 3000.
What is sheltered housing?
- Sheltered housing helps you to live independently
- It gives you a home of your own with the support of a sheltered housing manager
- It provides the company of people your own age
- Somewhere that is cosy and easier to manage than your old home
Levels of support
The Council and some housing associations have sheltered schemes in Waltham Forest. There are different types of support:
- Council sheltered housing - some scheme managers live on site and all provide direct support
- Housing association sheltered housing which has varying types of support:
- 24-hour sheltered housing manager
- Part-time sheltered housing manager
- Visiting sheltered housing manager
- Alarm only
What does the sheltered housing manager do?
- Manages the scheme
- Helps in emergencies
- Gives practical support
- Makes daily visits if required
- Arranges visits by district nurses, home helps and meals-on-wheels, social workers, doctors, chiropodists and others
What types of flats are available?
There is a range of flats:
- Fully self-contained flats
- Studio flats with shared bathrooms
- Studio flats with one main room, separate kitchen and toilet
Who lives in sheltered housing?
Elderly people usually of retirement age who need some support to live independently.
Priority is given to people:
- With disabilities or with long-term health problems
- Living in unsuitable homes
- Who are socially isolated
Any Waltham Forest resident can apply for sheltered housing. If you own a home there may be other options for you depending on the value of your home.
How much does it cost?
The rent and service charges are reasonable. They depend on the facilities the sheltered housing unit offers.
If you are worried about the cost, you can apply for Housing Benefit. The Council and the Benefits Agency can give you advice about this.
Supporting People
Supporting People is a government programme which funds housing-related support services including: general information and advice, advocacy, community alarms, home improvements, assistance with education and employment plans, and life skills training.
This support can be provided either within your own home or within a specialist housing scheme such as sheltered housing, hostels or refuges.
You will be assessed to see whether you are entitled to this service.
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. 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.
Waiting list
Your needs are assessed by the Sheltered Housing Panel and successful applicants are put on a waiting list.
Sheltered housing information
You can download a leaflet about sheltered housing in Waltham Forest here (954KB PDF file, document reference DP07-2293 June 2008).
For more information and how to apply
Download the Sheltered Housing Referral form (111KB PDF file)
If you would like more information, please contact
Housing Services
Cedar Wood House
2d Fulbourne Road
Walthamstow E17 4GG (map)
Minicom 020 8523 4483
Housing Direct: 020 8925 5557
Housing Registration Team: 020 8496 3000
Supporting People Team: 020 8496 5537
Financial Assessment Unit
Community Services
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow E17 5SD
Tel 020 8496 3000
| Scheme name | Details |
|---|---|
| Boothby Court | Manager: Mrs Delcita Bailey Relief: Ms Merle Faleye Tel 020 8524 9232 |
| Clifton House | Manager: Mrs Christine Ladoja Relief: Olga Lloyd Tel 020 8539 1100 |
| Dilwyn Court | Manager: Octavia Balson Tel 020 8527 1914 |
| Downlands Court | Manager: Mrs June Bryan Relief: Olga Lloyd Tel 020 8558 5532 |
| Goddarts House | Manager: Mrs Janet Lilley Tel 020 8521 5313 |
| Holland House | Relief: Mrs Lin Tucker/Ann Thompson Tel 020 8524 0032 |
| Holmcroft House | Manager: Mrs Marion Cavill Tel 020 8509 1911 |
| Lime Court | Manager: Amanda Brigdale Tel 020 8521 1606 |
| Longfield House | Manager: Salma Khan Tel 020 8509 0844 |
| Pelly Court | Relief: Mrs Jenny Salvatore/Mrs Meenah Bergman Tel 020 8520 5769 |
| Plaxton Court | Manager: Mrs Jenny Smith Relief: Ms Bernie Morley Tel 020 8519 8876 |
| The Chantry | Manager: Ms Pat Jackson Tel 020 8524 3738 |
| Turners Court | Manager: Mrs Margaret Hemphill Relief: Ms Patricia Hardcastle Tel 020 8555 7879 |
| Winters Court | Manager: Mrs Carol Gordon Tel 020 8524 7191 |
