The support services you receive from your Supported Housing Officer (SHO) are funded by Supporting People. Supporting People is a government programme that pays for housing-related support services to help people live independently and was established in 2003.
The programme is administered by Leeds City Council on behalf of a wider partnership that includes the council, health services and others. As we are paid by Supporting People for our services we have to provide all sheltered tenants with a Support Plan. This plan shows all the support needs you have and how we provide for them. This can only be achieved with your co-operation.
We hope you are already familiar with and understand how your Support Plan is there to help you. However, if you have any concerns or questions about your support plan we think the following information will help you.
Need to Know More?
If you require further information about support plans please contact Karen, Ann or Jackie at the sheltered and supported housing team on 0800 915 6660.
As well as the right sort of housing, people need the right sort of support to help them be as independent as possible and this is where a Support Plan comes in
You may be a recent tenant in sheltered accommodation or you may have lived there for a number of years whatever the case our SHO will complete a Support Plan with you. It identifies any existing support that a resident receives, plus other things that they may need help with. For example, some residents request assistance with shopping or laundry, which the SHO can help arrange. The Support Plan also records contact details of next of kin, relatives and any other appropriate agencies (such as the GP).
What's It For?
The Support Plan is signed by you, our tenant, and formally reviewed every six months, by your SHO. Your SHO is also able to review your support needs at any time should you request this and arrange additional assistance should the need arise. You can also ask that your Carer or Advocate be present when we complete or review your Support Plan.
The plan describes:
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What is important to you?
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What do you want to change?
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How will you be supported?
Through a comprehensive assessment of your needs Aire Valley Homes Leeds will agree a tailored support plan with you that will help you:
- access relevant services such as health and social care;
- participate in social activities within the schemes and community;
- manage household budgets;
- access adaptations to your home;
- maximise your income and access to eligible benefits;
- become involved in shaping AVHL services.
Below is a simple practical example of how a support plan can help. Of course the help you need may be more complicated. To enable you to continue living independently Aire Valley Homes Leeds will always have regard to your individual needs and support plans will reflect this.
How a Support Plan Can Help You
Mrs. C lived in her own home in South Leeds for many years. As she got older she became more isolated from her local community and got scared living on her own. She moved into Sheltered Accommodation and is now a member of a thriving older community with support from the Supported Housing Officer that helped her to move in, manage her rent, bills and income and get to know other residents. She is no longer isolated and has a wider group of friends and companions and has a Community Alarm to help with emergencies.
Finally if you are not satisfied with any aspect of your support plan in the first instance please discuss this with your warden. If the matter remains unresolved then contact us on 0800 915 6660 and ask for Karen Craig, Jackie Sowden or Anne Stanley.
Should you remain unsatisfied, Aire Valley Homes Leeds has a formal appeals process in respect of your support plan
Appeal against the outcome of a Support Plan
- Have you recently completed a Support Plan?
- Are you happy with how it was completed?
- Does the outcome of the support Plan reflect your needs?
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of ‘your’ plan then you can appeal against the decisions made. For example:-
It was identified that you are having problems with the bathing facilities in your property. Has the SHO made the necessary referral to having an assessment carried out to determine if you need different facilities installing?
It was identified through the Support Plan that you would like someone to talk to once a week. Did the SHO ‘signpost’ you to the voluntary groups in your area who can help with this?
To appeal against the outcome of the Support Plan, download and complete the appeals form on the right and return it to:
Supported Services Team
Civic Buildings
Marsh Street
Rothwell LS26 0AD
Or e-mail to: avhleeds.shelteredservicesteam@avhleeds.org.uk
Receipt of your appeal will be acknowledged in writing within 5 working days. A final response will be given in writing within 28 days.