Supported & Sheltered Housing

Supporting People in Hampshire provides a wide variety of housing related support services including Direct Access services for Single Homeless People or Extra Care Housing Schemes for Frail Elderly People. Some of these services offer short term housing and support for people in crisis, and in others individuals may stay in for a number of years. Accessing these different types of services will vary depending on the nature of the service.

In most districts in Hampshire Supported Housing Panels have been established - these are multi agency forums that look at applications from individuals who require supported housing. The panel prioritise cases and decide on the most appropriate housing and support options for individuals, taking into account the availability of services and the wishes of the potential service user.

Services for Elderly People

There are a wide range of Sheltered Housing schemes or Extra Care schemes for the frail elderly in Hampshire. Extra Care schemes may provide personal care, as well as the support provided by a scheme manager in Sheltered Housing schemes.

In all districts in Hampshire the first point of access to supported housing services for elderly people is the District Council Housing Department.

Services for People with a Physical or Learning Disability

Individuals or their advocates who are looking to find suitable housing related support services for people with a Physical or Learning Disability should contact their Care Manager in the first instance. If they do not have a Care Manager they should contact their local Adult Services area office.

Services for Women escaping Domestic Violence

Refuges can be contacted directly by Women who are experiencing Domestic Violence. The telephone numbers of refuges are available to the public. Access to refuges is also co-ordinated through the Local Authority Housing Department - they will explore the housing and support options available to the victims of Domestic Violence and clearly in some cases this will result in referral to refuge accommodation.

Women in immediate danger obviously need to contact Hampshire Police who have specialist officers who deal with incidents of Domestic Violence.

Short term homelessness services

(For the Single Homeless, People with Mental Health issues, Young People etc)

Some of these services can be accessed on the same day as referral. These services are known as "direct access" and are usually services for single homeless people.

There are also a range of other short term services that may specialise in supporting Young People, those with Drug or Alcohol issues, or Mental Health Problems for example. Access to these services is often arranged following housing advice interviews with Housing Officers at the Local Authority Housing Department or through referral through the Supported Housing Panel.

It is also possible to self refer to these services.