Supported housing

Supported housing may be available and suit young people if they have a learning disability or autism and they want to live independently with someone around to help when needed. To discuss supported housing contact Community Health and Social Care Direct or speak to your social worker. Financial arrangements are made through an Individual Service Fund.

This is when individuals live in the community (usually shared accommodation) with other people who have similar needs and interests.

There is support throughout the day (and/or night) as needed. Supported living gives people more rights, choices, and control over their own lives, but it is a flexible model of support that can look very different for different people.

It can help someone who is finding it difficult to cope at home as well as being the next step towards someone gaining more independence in their life. Supported living can be particularly helpful for people with a learning disability who may need a little extra help in some areas of their lives whilst maintaining a high level of independence in others.

The cost of the care and support is met either by the council or your young person, depending on their income and savings.

The supported housing model in Newcastle includes:

• community clusters
• independent supported living (ISL)
• concierge schemes
• step up step down accommodation
• the use of technology within the home to support independent living.

The City Council has commissioned a personalised, real-time monitoring and alert system, to work alongside our care providers.  This provides an additional layer of support for adults with learning disabilities and autism to live independently and safely within supported living homes.

The technology uses sensors installed in a property, to send live alerts to a mobile app. A support team can oversee and respond to a group of properties within a closed geographical area.

Alerts can be highly personalised, and responses are generally quick. The individual has more independence, choice, and control, safe in the knowledge there is support when needed.