– a local authority approach Working together to support people with Learning Disabilities to live independently – a local authority approach Jane Edmends Housing Services Manager
Effective internal working “Getting our own house in order” Need for a clear and mutual understanding of housing need (rather than aspiration) Remove the professional language & have a agreed understanding of ‘independent’ living Bring in the right colleagues from the beginning (don’t forget your front line teams) Understand your roles / who has the appropriate expertise
So what have we done Establishment of a LD Strategic Review Group Used and agreed model to understand priority accommodation needs. Extensive work has been undertaken to understand: Timescale of need (‘best estimate’) The complexity of each individual’s circumstances Specific and individual requirements Court of protection issues Refined the above to address individual needs Understand and prepare for transition
We now understand priority accommodation needs - so what…. Make effective use of exiting housing stock – specialist, supported & general housing needs Allocation Panels Accessing Choice Based Lettings Use of the private rented sector Make the best use of internal resources ‘Adaptions / DFG’s / Assistive Technology) Take all potential opportunities to access new build affordable housing Give confidence to your RP/private housing partners
The challenges don’t go away To name a few……… The need to respond to unexpected / emergency housing needs Addressing ‘older’ models of accommodation Aspirations (colleagues and families) – be realistic we can only help with accommodation we have / can get access to Financial (pressures) and ‘Affordability’ issues
Finally Buts lets not end on a negative we have moved forward significantly: We understand housing need / future demand We have made a real difference to peoples lives We have effective partnerships with RP providers & there are funding opportunities We have secured significant inward investment into the borough Many thanks for listening any questions? If not I would love to hear what works for you……….