Housing SupportMaking a Difference

Helen Barton

Housing & Communities DirectorAlbyn Housing Society

Outline for SessionOur Support Service & how it has developed

The impact of housing support on people’s lives

Our experience as a support provider in LHS development

Our ContextVery large geographic area

2,300 rented homes scattered over 60

communities

Very mixed community profiles

Remote access to services

‘The Accidental Provider’

Former hostel provision

Accommodation based to floating services

Moved beyond landlord role

Highly valued person centred services

How our service has developed

The Impact of Housing Support

Analysis still developing

Clear recognition of role in:

Homelessness prevention

Tenancy sustainability

Limited geographic access

Links to Local Outcome AgreementReducing homelessness by sustaining tenancies

Supporting young people to live independently

Providing Information and Advice

Increasing support for people with complex needs

Avoiding fuel poverty

Joint working for joined up services

Strategy Development Process

Homelessness Strategy – Housing led

Local Housing Strategy – Housing led

Housing Support Strategy – Social Work Led

Health and Homelessness Strategy – NHS led