The Supporting People Programme was introduced by the
government in April 2003 throughout England and Wales to fund housing related
support for vulnerable people. The programme gives vulnerable people the
opportunity for greater living independence and life choices. It helps people
who have difficulty in managing a home on their own to establish a life in which
they are safe and can access the right services at the right time. Services
promote independence by providing practical, low level housing related support
to help people develop their skills in keeping their home clean and safe, paying
their rent, getting along with their neighbours, as well as helping them access
more specialist services as necessary. Any provision of specialist therapy or
services to meet other personal care or health needs has to be funded
separately. The emphasis is on helping people to achieve and sustain greater
independence and prevention. Many do not meet the Social Care eligibility
criteria. Supporting People is intended to complement social care not to replace
it.
Essex County Council is the lead agency for
Supporting People in Essex and is run by a Commissioning Body that works closely
with partner agencies such as Housing, Health and Probation to ensure the
successful implementation of the programme. Supporting People funds housing
related support services provided by over 120 support providers across the
County.
The Essex Supporting People 5-Year Strategy published
in early 2005 has identified the following four priority outcomes for service
users: - to help people sustain their current accommodation; to attain
independent accommodation; to provide access to specialist services; to achieve
a higher level of independence. The Supporting People programme will help to
increase the range, flexibility and quality of housing related support and
ensure that people receive a fair service. By responding to peoples needs and
ensuring continuity in support services it aims to make a positive difference to
people lives.
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