Ten things you need to know about Supporting People in Staffordshire

What is Supporting People?

Supporting People is a Government led programme, delivered locally. It pays for supported housing services that help people live independently in their own accommodation.

Who does it help?

People needing help to develop or sustain their independence. That might include older people who need support, homeless people, people with learning disabilities, people with mental health problems, ex-offenders, young people at risk or people with drug or alcohol problems.

How is it delivered?

Staffordshire Supporting People funds over 65 organisations to provide support services. These organisations employ around 490 support workers in supported housing and sheltered housing services.

What kind of support can you get?

Support workers help people recognise what's needed to live independently in their accommodation. It then helps people to work towards agreed targets or outcomes including:

Economic wellbeing (reducing debt, getting the right benefits, finding work)
Enjoying and achieving (accessing training, getting the right services, building links with family and friends)
Being healthy (better physical and mental health, managing substance misuse)
Staying safe (avoiding eviction, avoiding harm)
Making a positive contribution (making choices and getting involved in the wider community)

Supporting People is not able to pay for social or personal care, such as bathing, giving out medication or nursing care.

What services are available in Staffordshire?

Supporting People funds over 270 services in Staffordshire. To find out more and what's available in each district, visit the directory of services at www.spdirectory.org.uk or contact the Supporting People Team.

How many people in Staffordshire get support?

At any time, over 16,000 people get support from services funded by Staffordshire Supporting People.

Do you have to pay for it?

Where support is needed for less than two years, the service is provided without charge. If support is needed for more than two years, the service makes a charge, but that cost is met by Supporting People if the person receives Housing Benefit. If not on Housing Benefit but the person has capital of less than £25,000, then Supporting People can still help.

How much does the Supporting People programme cost?

For 2008/09, the budget for Supporting People across England and Wales is £1.7 billion. Staffordshire's grant from this is £12.8 million.

How is Supporting People managed?

The programme is led nationally by The Department of Communities and Local Government. Locally, the programme is led by Staffordshire County Council and governed by a partnership of district councils, the probation service, social care and health.

Where can I get more information?

Tel: 01785 278529 email: spteam@staffordshire.gov.uk

www.staffordshire.gov.uk/health/supportingpeople

Write to:

Staffordshire County Council
Social Care and Health Directorate
Supporting People Team
Wedgwood Building
Tipping Street
Stafford.
ST16 2DH Last Modified: 11/02/2008 15:26:02
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