Housing Support
1. THE SERVICE
The Association has a housing support service with a capacity for 17 clients.
The service commenced in 2003 and is complementary to the general housing management service provided by the Association to tenants, sharing owners and owners.
Any resident aged 16 or over can apply to the service, which provides assistance with the following:
- Budgeting/domestic/life skills.
- Advice and advocacy.
- General counselling and emotional support.
- Employment and training.
- Social issues.
- Maintaining a tenancy.
- Liaising with Association staff and other agencies.
The above are some examples of the support which can be given and are generally provided at the client’s home, although alternative arrangements can be made.
Visits are at an agreed date and time and are generally once or twice per week, with the client being able to withdraw from the service at any time.
2. HOW TO APPLY
The Association’s Housing Support Officer can provide information on the service before a resident decides whether or not to apply.
Residents can contact the Housing Support Officer (Linda Macmillan), Housing Support Manager (Kenny Smith), or their Housing Officer to express an interest. The Housing Support Officer will then arrange an informal visit to discuss the service. If it is agreed that a benefit would be obtained from the service, then the applicant will be placed on the Reserve List for the service until a place is available for them.
3. SUCCESS OF THE SERVICE
The service is regulated by the Care Commission and has been congratulated for its quality. Care Commission reports are available for inspection.
Existing clients have indicated that they are happy with the service provided and there have been a number of successes regarding financial issues, clients participating in further education and others joining clubs and becoming involved in other social activities. The emotional support provided has also been appreciated by many clients.