Information for service users

The programme provides funding for the housing related support that usually comes from support workers or wardens in housing schemes.

What is housing related support?

Housing related support is the help you get in your home that allows you to live independently.

For example:

• help with claiming benefits and filling in forms
• helping you to get the skills you need to maintain your own tenancy
• advising and helping you to get other services you need
• providing a community alarm or a warden service.

Housing related support services do not include care or help with personal tasks like bathing and giving medication.

Can I get help with my support charges?

If you are paying your support charge in full, and are not eligible for Housing Benefit, you may be able to receive assistance with your housing support costs by applying for a Fairer Charging financial assessment. You can also request a full Welfare Benefits check.

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit you could get your housing related support costs paid for you by Supporting People. If you are unsure as to whether this is happening, your support worker should be able to let you know.

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in telling us about what housing related support services are needed in the future you can contact us direct or you can come along to the Derbyshire Inclusive Forum meetings, which are held throughout Derbyshire twice a year.

Recently the Supported People Involvement Forum has been set up to let people who use Supporting People Housing Related Support services to have a greater say about how Supporting People is delivered and managed in Derbyshire.

The forum meets once a month and if you are interested in becoming a member please contact the Supporting People Team for more information.

What do I do if there is problem with my service?

First raise your concerns with your support worker, service provider or landlord; they should be able to answer most questions you have. If you wish to make a complaint, ask for their complaints procedure leaflet.

If you feel that your service provider or landlord hasn't dealt with your concern thoroughly then please contact the Supporting People Team.

More information can be found in our suggestions, praise and complaints policy.