Supported living
Supported living allows people with disabilities or mental health to maintain independence within the community.
Take me to What is supported living? ↘ Who can benefit? ↘ What support is available? ↘ Your own home ↘ Who pays for this? ↘ How to apply ↘
What is supported living?
Supported living offers accommodation where residents have tenancy rights with flexible person-centred support to address their needs.
They provide opportunities to live as independently as possible in the community whilst supporting you to maximise your independence, care for yourself, manage your health needs and feel connected and included as part of the community.
These are operated by a variety of organisations including housing associations, voluntary organisations and the council.
Who can benefit?
Supported living is available for people who:
- are aged 18 years or more
- are living in Redbridge
- have been assessed by the council as eligible for services or have similar needs and can pay for their own support
- have the means to pay the rent or are eligible for housing benefit
What support is available?
Care can be tailored to support the needs of each individual but is available 24 hours a day, if required.
With supported housing, you will have your own ensuite bedroom in a shared house, flat or studio apartment with a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom facilities. This will either be in a shared house or block of flats.
Your own home
There are a lot of ways you can get your own home:
- You can rent it - from a private landlord or from a housing association
- Buy it for yourself. It is not easy and there are rules you need to follow
- Shared ownership is when you buy part of a house and rent the rest. The house will belong to a housing association. You will have to use your money to buy your share of the house
Who pays for this?
If you have been assessed as eligible for services, the council will pay for the support you receive. You will be responsible for the rent, so you must be able to pay the rent. You can claim housing benefit if you are eligible.
You will be responsible for paying the utilities bills such as gas, water and electricity. If you are in shared accommodation, you will pay a share of this.
You will pay for your food and other personal items, like clothes and toiletries.
You will have a financial assessment to decide whether the council is able to pay for some or all of your care and support services or whether you need to contribute towards these costs.
How to apply
Redbridge Adult Social Services can help you find out what your needs are and help you find the right place to live with the right support.
If you think you need help, you can request an assessment to see if you are eligible for care and support from the council.
