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12 Mar 07new housing service supports independent living
Borough of Poole is launching a new housing service to help vulnerable people lead more independent lives.
The Poole Housing Brokerage Service aims to provide safe accommodation and advice to individuals in most need of support, such as people with learning difficulties, mental health problems, the homeless and young people at risk.
The service, launched on Monday March 12, is designed to best match accommodation and support to the needs of vulnerable people.
Funded by Borough of Poole’s Housing and Community Services and the Government’s Supporting People programme, the new service is the first of its kind in the country. The Council is working with registered social landlords, voluntary groups and the private sector to offer a range of accommodation, including shared housing, hostels for the homeless and independent living flats.
The new service will ensure that vulnerable people on the waiting list for accommodation are offered housing which is more suited to their needs. Individuals using the service are also offered support with day to day tasks, such as shopping and money management, as well as advice on training or employment in a bid to ensure they lead more independent lives.
Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community Support, said:
“For vulnerable people without anyone to help them, finding decent housing which suits their needs can be a daunting prospect. The new service means that for the first time there will be one point of contact for applicants, those who help them and providers of supported accommodation.
“Often social workers, carers and advisers have to contact several housing providers to get the right help for their clients. This will save time and effort and will offer an enhanced service for everyone involved.”
People wanting to access the Housing Brokerage Service can contact Borough of Poole on tel: 01202 633417 or email: housingbrokerage@poole.gov.uk
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