National Housing Federation campaigns on supported housing

South West Supported Housing Month runs from 1 until 31 March 2010. The National Housing Federation campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the 2,800 crucial services running throughout the south west that help nearly 103,000 of the most vulnerable people enjoy independent and fulfilled lives.

Services provided range from foyers for young people, temporary accommodation for families, refuges from domestic violence, and sheltered and extra care housing for older or disabled people. With recent changes to the way funding is allocated for these services, it’s more important than ever that those that hold the purse strings are aware of the impact they are making. National research from the Department for Communities and Local Government shows that every pound spent on Supporting People saves £2.12 on other public services.

Coordinated by the National Housing Federation (South), the campaign follows an announcement last year giving Local Authorities much more freedom to decide how they use ‘Supporting People’ grants. The removal of the ring-fence is aimed at giving councils the chance to be innovative in how they commission and provide services for vulnerable people.

South West Supported Housing Month is being organised by a broad mix of supported housing and floating support services providers, with coordination and other assistance from the National Housing Federation’s South Regional Office.

Click here to find out more about what Westlea is doing to provide help and support to vulnerable residents.